20 Years Ago THE HASTINGS STAR-GAZETTE January 3, 2002 Hastings takes fourth in Wells Fargo Rotary Shootout for Hockey. A little newspaper history: Established in the Minnesota Territory, July 25, 1857, as the Hastings Independent. In 1866, it merged with the Hastings Conserver (established 1861 as the Minnesota Conserver), to become the Hastings Gazette. On Jan. 2, 1981, The Hastings Gazette was purchased by the Hastings Star (established as the Mississippi Valley Star in 1969) to become the Hastings Star-Gazette. 40 Years Ago THE HASTINGS STAR-GAZETTE January 7, 1982 City budget ends year in the black Story by Al Shaffer, staff writer Short synopsis: Acting City Administrator Wally Erickeson had predicted “financial gloom” for more than one month, but the city nonetheless closed the year in the black. Delayed state aid was the cause for concern, but the city transferred funds from its 1967 interceptor sewer improvement bond to accomplish the feat. In addition, many residents paid their assessments early rather than transfer these to the tax rolls. The police department budget received $90,226 out of $141,123.50transferred into the general fund. The city had an “A” bond rating or one below the maximum of “AA.” Cities in theory could get “AAA,” but Erickson didn’t know of any as such.Bond ratings affected city interest rates, with a good rating leading to better borrowingterms. Openings: positions now open on three commissions Story by Al Shaffer, staff writer Short synopsis: Three city commissions had openings for volunteers interested in serving. These were the Hastings Natural Resources and Recreation Commission (NRCC), Hastings Planning Commission, the Hastings Library Board. Interested residents could apply at city hall, with an application deadline of February 1. Accident Local injured at railroad crossing Story by Al Shaffer, staff writer Short synopsis: Marlene Fox, age 32, and D. T. Koch of St. Paul were involved in a car/train accident at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday on East Third Street. Fox was driving a 1974 Oldsmobile, and Koch was operating the train engine. The accident resulted in $2,000 of damage to Fox’s vehicle along with what were described as minor injuries. The train intersection was of interest to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, with the idea floated of upgrading signals at the crossing on East Second Street and discontinuing the one on East Third Street. Protest Council approves assessments for Pleasant Drive and bridge by Al Shaffer, staff writer Short summary: Action by the Council on a bridge and roadway on Pleasant Drive had brought protest from unhappy Fourth Ward residents. One former Council member described it as “the hottest issue” he had faced in three years on Council. Assessments charged to Fourth Ward residents were deemed as “unfair” due to other areas of the city benefitting “as much or more.” A natural beach had also been affectedby the project. News from Across the River 100 Years Ago THE PRESCOTT TRIBUNE January 5, 1922 Robert MacMurphy Dead A. McMurphy of St. Paul was in this city last week visiting at the home of his sister Mrs. Cotton. While at the office of the Tribune he stated that this brother Robert of Eugene, Oregon, passed away December 7th. He was on his way from Roseburg, Oregon to California in a car with his wife and two children at the time of his demise. His brother was born and raised in Prescott and went from here to St. Paul to work as a stenographer for the Great Northern Railway Co. and from there went to Oregon where he had resided for some twenty odd years. Mr. MacMurphy left the first of the week for Rio Linda, California where he expects to make his future home. His wife and son will remain in St. Paul until school closes to permit the latter to finish his course, when they will join him in their new home in the west. Front page invitation: Turn Onto the Road to Church Church helps a man from his moral ruts and starts him on the highway of right thinking (orthodoxy) and right living (orthopraxy). The longer we travel in ruts the deeper they become and the more difficult it is to get out of them. The churches of this community are here to help you out of both social and moral ruts. They provide Christian fellowship and offer the only solution for sin: the gospel of Jesus Christ. No man ever regretted the time he spent in church attendance. Let us help you out of your ruts—perhaps you will help us out of ours. Come to church Sunday. (Church information given) 115 Years Ago CANNON FALLS BEACON January 11, 1907 Beacon Lights Taxes can now be paid at Citizens State Bank. “He is not the best carpenter who makes the most chips. F. W. Van Guilder and Alvin Van Guilder were in Waterville Monday to attend the funeral of Lon Van Guilder. “You cannot climb a ladder by pushing others down.” Taxes can now be paid at Citizens State Bank. Next Market day is Wednesday Jan. 16th. If you cannot come in before, be sure and make it a point to come in and see us that day. On Market Day we will give you 21 lbs. of Granulated Sugar for $1.00. Only $1.00 worth to each family. Don’t forget this date. Cannon Falls Dry Goods Co., THE BIG STORE, F. C. Carlson, Manager “Rest is won only by work.” 156 Years Ago THE HASTINGS CONSERVER Tuesday, January 2, 1866 Local Record for 1865 We compile from our columns the following record for 1865: Jan. 24.—Butturff’s block bruned. Loss $8,000. Insured for $2,600. Jan. 31.—Special election for war tax of $12,000 to raise volunteers. Ayes 224, nays 59. Majority in favor 165. Feb. 3.—The trail of Thomas Eagan for murder terminated in his acquittal. Feb. 15.—Donation for the Rev. J. M. Rogers at Teutonia Hall. Receipts $125,. Net $86.30. Feb. 22.—Presentation of truck and apparatus to Hope No. 1 by Ald. ALovell. Feb. 24.—Ladies festival at Teutonia Hall for the benefit of soldier’s families. Net receipts $125. Mar. 5.—The Rev. Dr. Merrick as rector of St. Luke’s Church. Mar. 25.—School meeting at Teutonia Hall. The Rev. C. S. LeDuc elected director; Homer Hatch, clerk; John White, treasurer. Apr. 2.—The ice went out of the river, and steamer G. H. Gray’s first trip up. Apr. 9.—Charter election. Lovell’s majority over Thorne, for mayor, 14. Apr. 15—First boat through the lake, the Burlington, of St. Louis. Apr. 18.—Bachelder’s house burned. Oss $2,000. Insured for $1,700. May 24.—A. M. Hayes appointed postmaster, vice W. H. Skinner, resigned. May 28.—McHugh’s hardware store entered by burglars. Loss $300. June 6—A boy named Herbert Greenslade drowned in the Vermillion while bathing. June 12.—Capt. Webb, ofthe Itasca, presented with a silver pitcher and tray by the citizens of Hastings. June 14.—The eighth annual convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in this diocese met in St. Luke’s church. July 1.—Match game at baseball between North Starr, of St. Paul, and Vermillion, of Hastings. Victory for the former by 34 runs. July 4.—Grand celebration by our citizens. July 23.—Murder of John Halden by his brother, while under the influence of liquor. July 24.—Burning of Pearson’s machine shop and adjoining cabinet factory. Loss $2,000. Sept. 2—Boy drowned in the river near Vermillion Slough. Sept. 10—Laying of the cornerstone of the Roman-rite Catholic Churchby the Right Rev. Thomas L. Grace, assisted by Fathers Ravoux, Hurth, and Pise. Sept. 18.—Opening of the public schools. Sept. 20.—Return match of baseball came off at St. Paul, resulting in the defeat of our club. Oct. 2.—Discussion between Gov. Marshall and the Hon. H. M. Rice. Oct. 19.—Eclipse of the sun at 9 a.m. Oct. 23.—Sale of school lands by the Hon. Chas. McElrath, auditor of state. Nov. 7.—State election. Nov. 24.—Donation by the Rev. W. H. Humphrey. Net proceeds $244.56. Dec. 1.—Close of navigation. The last boat down was the Annie Johnson. Dec. 7.—Thanksgiving. Dec. 15.—Donation at Edison Hall for the Rev. J. M. Rogers. Dec. 25.—Christmas