10 Years Ago Sesquicentennial Moment: 1869 was filled with a number of lightning strikes around Warsaw. Mrs. Bennett escaped being killed in May when a flash of lightning struck on the ground nearby as she was driving a horse and buggy. The lightning killed a hog and tore up 10 panels of a rail fence. The barn of George Driesback was struck by lightning in June. A horse was killed and Driesback knocked to his knees. Israel Price was killed instantly in July after he loaded the corn he had purchased from William Hughes into his wagon. Benton Guy was standing in the barn next to Price and was severely shocked. Damage was done to Pierce’s Livery Stable and at Adam Weirick’s restaurant an employee was knocked insensible. Many people were swindled when salesmen brought lightning rods into town. 25 Years Ago Brian Neff, son of Michael and Kay Neff, Syracuse, is valedictorian for the Wawasee High School Class of 1989. Kristin L. Hickey, daughter of John L. and Linda Faith Hickey, Syracuse, was named as salutatorian. Both have been active in National Honor Society, named a National Merit Competition commended student and a presidential scholar. Warsaw’s Vicki Phillips slides into home safely as Wawasee catcher Teresa West tries to make the tag. Jena Parrett pitched the Lady Tigers to the 7-5 decision and the Tigers’ five-run rally in the fourth inning anchored their third straight NLC win with no losses. 50 Years Ago Police Chief Eugene Brumfield reported at the Board of Works meeting Tuesday that large-sized rats are in abundance in the vicinity of the stockyards in the east side of Warsaw and that something needs to be done to eradicate them. He stated that the railroad bank near the stockyards was literally honeycombed with rat tunnels. Mayor Joe Johnson ordered that City Attorney Brooks Pinnick send a legal notice to the owners of the stockyards demanding that action be taken on this problem. John Ballantine, manager of the new Ream-Steckbeck paint store on Market Street, asked the board for permission to bring a lion act to town as a promotion stunt for the opening of his store. He assured everyone that the trainer says the lion is as “tame as a pet kitten.” 75 Years Ago George Morehead, Warsaw, is owner of an India sacred lily. It is 5-feet tall, has bloomed four times and its peculiar odor necessitates its removal to the basement a few days after it blossoms. Paul P. Troy, resident of the “Troy Home” cottage near Winona Inn, Winona Lake, has returned from Chicago where he retired from U.S. mail service after 40 years. Mr. and Mrs. Troy celebrate their 44th wedding anniversary tomorrow.
