Looking Back Fifty Years

By Al Rabenold

Where were you the week of January 14, 1971? (#144)

Bids will be opened next month for proposed construction of a shop and music building for the Millersburg high school and a gymnasium and locker room building for the Deep River elementary school.

Fun Valley owner Edwin Bryan states, “the turnout was beyond my expectations” as skiers, snowmobilers, sledders and spectators crowded the slopes.  Skiers were turned away as all the equipment was already in use.  College students from Colorado and New York joined Iowans from all around central Iowa.

Band director, John Wagner, announced that the Montezuma High School band is one of just six in Iowa to play in concert before the Iowa Bandmasters Association this spring.

Frank Wheeler Construction begins renovation and remodeling of the jail.  Three prisoners travel south to the cozy confines of the Mahaska County jail in Oskaloosa.

Three of Coach Brand’s basketball starters, Jim Casey, Carl Nichols, and Marvin Walker, are named to the state honor roll for their high scores on the ACT Test.

December 31 is for birthday parties as well as New Year’s Eve celebrations for the John Jordan family.  Their daughter, Becky Ann, greeted the new year weighing 7 lbs. and 3 oz.  Her siblings are Pam, Eddie and Jerry.

Super star Carl Nichols picks up 4 fouls in the first half, and Dennis Hawkins of Keota scores 31 but the Braves pull out an 88-65 win thanks to the play of substitutes Doug McKinney and Craig McClure.

Sigourney’s Rick Mateer scores 25 points but the Braves top the century mark again as they stop the Savages, 106-77.  (This is before the mercy rule & the 3-point shot).

Not to be outdone, Van Cleave and Meissner both score more than 40 points each as the Bravettes stomp the Sigourney girls, 104-50, for their 74^th straight win.

The Montezuma guards, Arnaman, Bates, Dalbey, Phelps, and Stripling are called for 22 fouls but hold Mid-Prairie to just six field goals in an 85-33 win.