THE TIME MACHINE

From past files of The Star News 10 YEARS AGO

December 13, 2012

Members of the Taylor County board voted 15-1 to approve spending up to $100,000 from the power line impact fee money for an addition and accessible bathrooms for the shelter building at the Perkinstown Winter Sports Area. The current bathrooms in the facility are located in the basement and are not accessible from the main floor without having to go several hundred feet around the slope from the upper parking lot to the base of the sledding hill and back to the chalet. Even then, there is a step up into the lower level of the building.

25 YEARS AGO

December 10, 1997

As it is elsewhere in the state, the number of welfare cases is going down considerably in Taylor County since Wisconsin’s highly publicized W-2 (Wisconsin Works) program went into effect last September. But whether that’s because of new welfare initiatives or a strong economy is a matter for debate. Some economists say that perhaps as much as 16 percent of the state’s caseload drop can be attributed to Wisconsin’s “more stringent” welfare policies. But Taylor County Human Services Director Sue Hady and Economic Support Supervisor Dave Hemke both credit the drop in the number of welfare cases here to a strong local economy.

50 YEARS AGO

December 14, 1972

Free movie, a visit by Santa Claus and treats will be in store for children visiting Stetsonville’s shopping area Saturday. They will be the guests of the Stetsonville Commercial Club. The Sacred Heart church basement will be the scene of the Christmas party of Youngsters beginning at 2 p.m. Following a show of favorite cartoons and comedies, Santa will visit with the children and treats will be distributed.

75 YEARS AGO

December 11, 1947

The Taylor county local of the Wisconsin Education association is participating in the Overseas Teacher Relief Fund being sponsored by the National Education association and conducted by the W.E.A., according to S.W. Zielanis, Rib Lake, president of the county group. A letter from the county president has been sent to all members of the organization stating the need for assisting teachers in foreign countries and calling to the attention of the teachers that the assistance will play a practical part in the world wide struggle between democracy and totalitarianism.

100 YEARS AGO

December 21, 1922

C.A. Fleming has purchased the interests of Bert Wells and Frank Chase in the Medford business of the Wells & Chase Ford garage. By the terms of the deal Mr. Fleming disposes of his share of the Abbotsford business of the Wells & Chase firm. The change of ownership is already in effect. The business will be operated under the name of the Fleming Motor Company.

125 YEARS AGO

December 18, 1897

The “Rib Lake Herald” made its first appearance Friday, and in a better style than was at first expected. People were so anxious for a copy that many called at the office and received them fresh from the press, which show they appreciate a newspaper in their own town. We wish the publishers success in their undertaking and hope to see them publish a daily before many years pass.