REMEMBER WHEN?
50 Years Ago
June 1-4, 1971
Following three burglaries that took place in Fayetteville, Fayette County Sheriff T.J. Flournoy was conducting an around-the-clock investigation. The Lad Hornak Jewelry and Package Store lost 30 diamond wedding ring sets, a German-made World War II vintage .32 caliber pistol and $750 in cash and old coins. Entrance was gained to the building by drilling holes through a door panel with a brace and bit. The panel was then removed and the door lock tripped. Although the intruders knocked the knob off the vault door, they were unable to open it. They hammered a hole through the vault’s brick wall. The other two Fayetteville businesses hit were the Ed Chovanec Store and Jerry Vavra Garage, which lost $1.50 and $3, respectively.
The last section of Interstate 10 in Fayette County was expected to open for traffic by Thanksgiving.
The average monthly social security benefit for a retired worker was increasing from $114 to about $126 per month. For a retired couple, the total was to climb from $199 to $219. A widowed mother with two children would receive $324, up from $295. For a disabled worker with a wife and one or more children, the new average monthly payment was $296, up from $269.
In commissioners’ court, the redistricting in Fayette County came up for discussion again. County Judge David M. Murray introduced a motion to divide the commissioners’ precincts according to census enumeration results. Precinct 1 would have a population of 4,413; Precinct 2 - 4,412; Precinct 3 - 4,413; and Precinct 4 - 4,412.
Twelve of the Baca Family Band’s Czech songs from the 1930s were recorded on a new album. The selections included the Fayetteville music makers’ best-remembered polkas, waltzes and marches. The 1930s-era band members were: Ludwig B. Baca, Raymond Baca, Rudolph A. Baca, Frank Gerik, Frank A. Baca, Frank Kulhanek, Lad Baca and John R. Baca. The Gil Baca band of the 1970s had been invited to perform in Czechoslovakia during a three-week tour. Band members were: Gil and Kermit Baca, Debbie Hoelscher, Thomas Estrada, Brian McWhirter, Ed Copeland, Norman Barnes, Bill DeLoache and Ray Baca.
Construction was underway on 4,000 square feet of floor space for a new restaurant, bar and lounge at Frisch Auf! Valley Country Club.
Members of Sacred Heart School’s 39th graduating class were presented with diplomas by the Rev. Harry Mazurkiewicz. Wayne Zimmerhanzel had the highest average for the boys and Marilyn Kallus ranked highest among the girls. Other graduates were: Georgie Bordovsky, Debbie Bippert, Joan Knippel, Vicki Michalsky, Allen Schertz, Morgan Smith, James Legler, Gary Recek, Barry Vasek, Paul Bartosh and Darrell Bertsch. Sister Amata was the principal.
A total of 26 La Grange, Fayetteville and Round Top-Carmine students made the Blinn College spring semester honor roll. From La Grange: Russell A. Friemel, Donna M. Hodde, Theresa Janacek, Audrey A. Janda, Daniel M. Jurk, Joan E. Miertschin, Dorothy A. Prihoda, Barbara J. Hodde, Jeannette M. Anders, Gary R. Bayer, Catherine A. Belota, Kay E. Campbell, Milton L. Cox, Connie L. Janda, Frank J. Janda, Marie D. Kallus, Eugene J. Kruppa, Carolyn A. Liska, Jannis L. McCracken, Joseph H. Munsch, Dennis J. Vacula and Connie Warnken. Round Top-Carmine: Jackie E. Finke, Rebecca Matejowsky and Dennis R. Pietsch. Sandra J. Wait was the sole Fayetteville student on the honor roll.
Attendance at Fayetteville schools for the year averaged 95%.
For the first time, a kindergarten program was being offered at Round Top-Carmine in the fall. Ten children were expected to enroll in the combined kindergarten and first grade class.
Band medal awards went to the following La Grange High School seniors: Gary Diers, Steven Havemann, Glenda Moellenberndt, Jennifer Pechal, Jan Scharnberg, Catherine Smith, Kathleen Stahmer and Carol Von Minden.
Football jackets were presented to La Grange High School students: Bobby Martin, Dean Niesner, Mark Ulrich, Norris Wied, James Liska, John Riehs, Paul Risper, Jimmy Turner, Larry Urban and Curtis Wittmann.
Rox Ann Albrecht had been named to head the 1971-72 yearbook staff for La Grange High School. Susan Mueller was to serve as assistant editor and Kathy Kieschnik and Catherine Munsch were business managers.
Sig II and Chic II No. 504 opened in La Grange. The town’s newest business was a self-service gasoline station, quick-shop discount store and chicken-to-go stand located on Hwy. 77 just south of the mid-town highway intersection.
A funeral service was held for Mrs. Ottilia Shimek, 68, of Fayetteville.
In the Cistern news, it was noted that W.B. Rietz killed a 26-inch snake while on duty at the oil wells.
Three La Grange lads, Lorenz von Minden, Charles Hensel and George Eilert, were chosen to attend the Salvation Army’s 370-acre Camp Hoblitzelle near Midlothian.
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