Good Old Days 08-22-14

Compiled By The Sidney Sun-Telegraph Staff

These stories from the past first appeared in The Sidney Telegraph. Original writing is preserved, though some stories were shortened for space reasons.

100 years ago

Aug. 22, 1914

'Pope Of Rome Passes Away'

Rome – Pope Plus X died at 1:20 o'clock this morning. He had been ill for several days, but alarming symptoms did not develop until Wednesday morning. Throughout the day Drs. Marchiafava and Amici devoted their utmost energies to stimulating their patient and keeping him alive. The cardinals were notified of the Pope's grave condition and some of them entered the sick room describe the impression and heartrending scenes, especially when pontiff, rousing himself from time to time, spoke.

Once he said: "In ancient times the pope, by a word, might have stayed the slaughter, but now he is impotent." Extreme unction was administered by Mgr. Zampini, sacristan to the pope, amid a most touching scene.

The sisters of the pope and his niece were overcome with grief. Cardinal Merry Del Val knelt by the side of his bed, where other cardinals joined him, the members of the household intoning prayers. The dying pope, in a moment of lucidity, said. "Now I begin to think as the end is approaching that the Almighty, in His inexhaustible goodness, wishes to spare me the horrors Europe is undergoing."

75 YEARS AGO

Aug. 22, 1939

'Inattention Is Blamed For Auto Accidents'

Major causes of traffic accidents in Nebraska the first six months this year were inattention, recklessness, driving to fast for road conditions, acts of pedestrians, and liquor involved, state highway patrol officials said.

Patrol records listed the following apparent causes of 90 fatal and 1,500 non-fatal accidents during that period:

Inattention, 11 fatal and 331 non-fatal: wrong side of road, 6 and 82; reckless driving; 8 and 64; liquor involved, 8 and 93; asleep-incapacitated, 1 and 23; too fast for road condition, 6 and 152; failed to stop at a stop sign, 3 and 27; disregarded signal, 2 and 19; improper turning, 1 and 30; did not have right of way, 1 and 56.

Obscured vision, 2 and 32; act of pedestrian, 10 and 111; mechanical defects, 3 and 37; puncture blowout, 7 and 60; road surface hazard, 3 and 80; improper passing on bridge, 1 and 15; action of cyclist, 2 and 16; miscellaneous, 13 and 191.

50 Years Ago

Aug. 24, 1964

'Four Injured In Head-On Crash Friday'

A head-on collision that demolished two automobiles Friday afternoon sent four persons to Memorial Hospital, two of them seriously injured.

The cars hit head on at a point on Highway 30 one-half mile east of Sidney, near the junction of 30 and Highway 19.

Officers at the scene said the accident involved a westbound car carrying three members of a Boston, Mass. family and an eastbound vehicle driven by Loren K. Jacoway, 28, Trailer City.

Trooper John Trenerry of the Nebraska Safety Patrol, investigation officer, said that the persons involved were fortunate not to be more seriously hurt.

He listed the injured as: Jacoway, fractured knee cap, numerous cuts and bruises; Miss Joan Stravinski, 28, driver of the other car, facial cuts, broken jaw and broken knee cap; her mother, Mrs. Anna Stravinski, 56, broken leg, broken shoulder and other injuries; and her sister, Therese Stravinski, 17, bruises and a small cut by the right eye.

Trooper Trenerry said that the accident happened when a 1954 Buick, driven by Jacoway, was eastbound and a 1964 Chevrolet, driven by Miss Joan Stravinski, a Navy Nurse enroute from Chelsea, Md. to San Diego, was westbound.

25 years ago

Aug. 23, 1989

'Water Conservation Plan Seems To Be Successful'

Sidney's water conservation record in June and July has been encouraging, city officials reported today, proving that water restrictions have been well observed by the public.

Significant reductions in water usage were noted in a variety of area's including commercial customers, public institutions and residential. The overall reduction in July was 7.3 percent a compared with a year earlier, continuing reduced consumption rates that were recorded in June.

While the percentage of reduction was less than during June, city officials point out that July was unusually dry and hot and the lower consumption figures are impressive when reviewed in that context. In June, 1260 customers showed reduced water volumes over the previous year; in July the number fell to 979, still considered to be a respectable statistic when the stressful weather conditions are considered.

Because of this good cooperation, plus the arrival of some timely rainfall, the city's pumping and storage capacities have proven adequate in recent weeks. City Manager Roger Anthony,, noting that some of the earlier pressures have been eased, said he is hoping that water restrictions can be lifted some time next month.

"We think the worst is over," Anthony said. "We are grateful for the fine cooperation we have received from our water user's".

Meanwhile, the city is continuing its search for new water sources, hoping to replace production lost when three wells were taken out of service because of high nitrate content.

10 Years Ago

Aug. 20, 2014

'Dress Down Donation Boosts District 77 Campaign'

School District 77 officials were a bit stunned when they learned the cost of obtaining new playground equipment.

"It's a lot," said Mark Blanke, District 77 board secretary. About $5,000 is needed.

But the school pressed forward in its campaign, and the equipment is beginning to arrive.

Funds from a quilt raffle were used to purchase the first piece.

The campaign got a big boost Thursday when the Ladies Chamber Dress Day project made its 84th presentation. Blanke received a check for $1,045.95 from Judy Henzie of the Ladies Chamber.

"We really appreciate those who participate," Henzie said. People who would like to donate to a Dress Down Day cause, but do not work at a participating business, may leave donations at the office of the Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce, and specify where they want their donation to be used.

Today is the monthly Dress Down Day and Keep Sidney Beautiful is the recipient.

Participants donate $2 to participate.

The first Dress Down Day check was presented in September 1997, with the Potter Flood Relief the beneficiary. Since then donations have been made to organizations thought Cheyenne County.

Any charity wishing to be considered for Dress Down Day fund must complete an application form, which is reviewed by the Dress Down Day committee. When accepted, a month is assigned and the group is notified.

"If you know of a charity that may meet the requirements, it can pick up an application at the chamber office," Henzie said.