Looking back: This week in History

140 Years ago (1884)

Union Thanksgiving service by several churches will be held at the Methodist Church, at the usual hour, Thursday morning. Reverend Sarles will deliver the discourse.

Sleighing is quite tolerable around town, an unusual circumstance with the first snow. The rain of Saturday freezing the ground made for good foundation thereof.

130 Years Ago (1894)

The new arca lights for the streetlamps have arrived.

115 Years ago (1909)

W.T. Jefferson has resigned as head of the American Cigar Company’s work in this state to take effect January 1. He thinks of going into the tobacco business for himself. It is hoped he will locate in Sparta.

Leonard Arnold, the eight-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Arnold, received some bad burns on his legs when a heater, which did not stand secure, lost its balance and fell over. A pot of boiling coffee was also spilled on the boy’s legs, adding to his discomfort.

90 Years ago (1934)

A statewide order prohibits state banks from paying more than two and one-half percent on any time or savings deposit, was issued last weekend by the Wisconsin State banking Commission.

80 Years ago (1944)

Approximately 300 motorists have been ticketed by Sparta Police during the last two weeks for safety equipment violations.

65 Years ago (1959)

A Sparta attorney has been appointed to defend Garold E. Rheinschimdt, 18, who is charged with the first-degree murder of Mr. and Mrs. Theron Morris, his aunt and uncle, who operated a farm near Cashton. [Rheinschmidt was convicted in 1960 and served almost 57 years, until his death in 2015. He was the longest serving prisoner in Wisconsin at the time of his death.]

55 Years ago (1969)

The Rev. Delbert Permann will conduct his first service at the United Church of Christ Congregational on Sunday, November 22 at 10:30.

40 Years Ago (1984)

DNR Warden Paul Thomeson found a paper bag containing thirty ounces of marijuana on a car seat after stopping three men to check for possible infractions of hunting regulations.

Christel Degner made local bowling history last week of her 23 years in the sport, by becoming the first woman in the city’s history by bowling a perfect “300” game in league play.     

20 Years Ago (2004)

Finding a convenient place to purchase K&K’s cheese products is considerably easier when the Pasture Pride Cheese Store opened in mid-September and is located near Hwy. 27, south of Cashton. K&K Cheese of Cashton is well known for its quality and varied products.

This year marks the fourth annual “Holiday in the Park” at Evans-Bosshard Park in Sparta. This year there will be about 130,000 lights to be strung on bridges, shelters, and Christmas trees. Volunteers to hang the lights include inmates from the Monroe County Jail.

10 Years Ago (2014)

Sparta’s Lakeview Montessori School was chosen as a recipient of Walmart’s Teachers Rewards program. Each teacher received a gift bag of supplies and a $50 gift card, The funds will be used to help offset the money that teachers spend out of their own pockets each year for classroom supplies.