THE TIME MACHINE

From past files of The Star News 10 Years Ago January 16, 2014 Making the pitch

The Medford City Council on Tuesday gave moral support to a plan to convert the city’s two softball diamonds into a single regulation baseball field.

Aldermen at the committee of the whole meeting did not go so far as to grant formal approval of the project or commit any city resources because they want to get public input and see results of fundraising efforts from the group pushing for the project.

Mayor Mike Wellner was hesitant to fully commit to the proposal because of concerns over what the entire community, including the softball players would feel about the plan to eliminate the two city fields.

25 Years Ago

January 20, 1999 School referendum could go to voters in April’s election

The Medford Area School Board is considering the $6.5 million question. Do we try to build a new middle school under a sure deal of 74 percent state aid or do we wait and take the chance it will cost local taxpayers an extra $6.5 million later?

The timetable in the district’s long range plan calls for the current middle school to be replaced in 2005 (with a referendum on the project held somewhere around 20012003). The oldest section of the current middle school was built in 1906, with other sections added on in 1932, 1938,1955, 1973 and 1990. There is some concern about the deteriorating condition of the building and other possible safety considerations, as well as instructional problems with the small classroom sizes.

50 Years Ago

January 17, 1974 January Session of County Board Completed in One Day

The Taylor County Board of supervisors in its one-day mid-winter session Tuesday approved courthouse building repair, improving health services in the county, st a salary and per diem rates and disposed of routine business.

The session was held in the courtroom at the courthouse with board chairman Stanley Kowaleski presiding.

75 Years Ago

January 20, 1949 Four State Leaders Speak at FU Meet

Four representatives of the state farmer union office at Chippewa Falls addressed a meeting of officers and members of the educational organization of Taylor county Farmers Union during an institute held at the courthouse yesterday.

The drop in temperature, which was experienced Tuesday night is believed to have been responsible for the attendance figure falling below that which had been anticipated. A total of 30 persons were registered.

100 Years Ago January 17, 1924 Fleming Company Tries Out Special Snow Cars

The Fleming Motor Company has been trying out a special equipment for furnishing traction through snow for Ford cars.

It uses the front part of the ordinary Ford car and can use a Ford body. Hummers are used on the front, in a similar way to the many “snow snakes” which have been improvised during the past three years.

125 Years Ago January 14, 1899 Voice of the People

A Pertinent Question I personally, as a taxpayer would like to know why the County Poor Committee would notify only one Physician when to bid on the county doctoring and let him have it at his own figures without giving the other physicians a chance to bid on the same.

Dr. C.E. Nystrum’