News compiled by Ginny Leap
from past issues of
Switzerland County newspapers
10 YEARS AGO
Because of changes in the taxing structure, officials from Belterra Casino and Resort met with Switzerland County officials concerning the development agreements between the two entities. Larry Buck of Belterra said that because of those changes, it was possible that Belterra had overpaid the county the funds agreed upon in the Development Agreement. “If we’ve overpaid, I don’t think it’s good community relations to say ‘pay it back’,” Larry Buck said. “There’s been a lot of good things done with those funds.”
The Switzerland County Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Meeting, and officers elected for 2005 included: President Joe Robinson; Vice President Rachel Bladen; Treasurer Tammy Hayes; Secretary Shannon Jackson; and board members Patty Chase and Gayle Rayles. At the meeting the Switzerland County YMCA was presented with the “Award of Distinction” for its efforts to improve the quality of life for Switzerland County residents.
The Switzerland County Council gave a ‘thumbs up’ to Switzerland County Commissioner K.C. Banta’s proposal for the county to purchase the former Plastic Moldings Corporation building in East Enterprise. Potential uses for the building include animal control; a recycling center; and the possible relocation of the Switzerland County Highway garage.
‘Pacer Pride’ winners at Switzerland County High School for the month of October included: Whitney Platt, Lauren Williams, Amanda Jones, Kelsey Sanders, Cody Couch, Josh Wegman, Dureen Romans, Natalie Peters, Jennifer Deaton, and Daniel Welch.
Willis Gober II was born on Tuesday, August 3rd, 2004, at Dearborn County Hospital. He weighed eight pounds, 12 ounces at birth, and was 20 1/2 inches long. He is the son of Stefanie Kittle and Keith Gober, both of Center Square.
Mallory Allyn Teeter was crowned as the overall winner in the 3-4 year old age group at Sunday’s “America’s Fabulous Faces” beauty contest held at the Ohio Theater in Madison. Mallory is the daughter of Robby and Robin Teeter of Bennington.
Switzerland County’s Ashley Chase scored a game high 25 points and at times looked absolutely unstoppable as the Lady Pacers rebounded from a disappointing season-opening loss to Madison on Friday night to claim a 57-44 victory on Saturday evening against South Dearborn.
20 YEARS AGO
The first day of tobacco sales came Monday, and it brought smiles to the faces of Switzerland County farmers as high prices were the order of the day. They saw their crops sell for as much as $1.88 per pound, with spirited bidding by as many as eight different buyers.
The Switzerland County School Board unanimously approved two measures Monday night that may lead to the construction of a new middle school wing to house grades six through eight. Superintendent Mac Dyer was granted permission by the board to begin the process to hold a public hearing, called a 1028 hearing, which is required by the state in order for a school corporation to apply for Common School Funds – one method of obtaining the money necessary to finance a building project. Mac Dyer said that he hopes to hold the hearing before the end of the year.
Christopher P. Ely, a 1993 graduate of Switzerland County High School, graduates from his Army training program November 23rd at Fort Sill, Oklahoma
30 YEARS AGO
Rumors have been spreading about just what was going on at the U.S. Shoe factory in Vevay. Talk went from a total shutdown to a huge expansion of the current facility. No one had any hard facts, but everyone knew something was happening. In an effort to keep the citizens of Switzerland County informed, Vevay Plant Manager Tom Crabtree this week released a statement in connection with the home office in Cincinnati explaining exactly what was happening here at this plant. “Injection molding is a new technology in the shoe making industry. This process was essential for us to compete with imports and it has been accepted really well by the consumer. Where we used to pack 5,000 pairs of shoes per day, we are now packing over 10,000 per day.”
Due to the efforts of Occupational Development Center Director Betty Bovard, Switzerland County is now a part of Green Thumb, a federally-funded jobs program. Working with Pam Fox of Green Thumb, Ms. Bovard announced that tow Green Thumb workers will be beginning to work in the near future, and will be doing public service type of work that the town and the county cannot get done.
40 YEARS AGO
Hoosier Hysteria returned to Switzerland County Friday night as a delighted bunch of local fans cheered the Pacers to a 57-53 victory over Rising Sun in the season’s opening game.
Switzerland County will lose one of its industries in about two weeks when Barrows Enterprises, Inc.,, phases out operation of its Vevay plant. Barrows vice president Jim Mankowski, who has been running the local plant for the past several months, said Monday afternoon the operation is being phased out “for economical reasons.”
The piano pupils of Mrs. Norma Ake will present a recital Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the United Methodist Church at Fairview. The public is invited to attend.
50 YEARS AGO
A 16-year-old Switzerland County youth was reported in serious condition Wednesday after being shot in the shoulder Tuesday afternoon in a hunting accident on Long Run. Steven Johnson, Vevay High School freshman, received a shotgun wound through his chest when his gun dropped to the ground and went off while he was rabbit hunting.
Work on laying Patriot Water System pipeline west along state road 250 was progressing steadily Wednesday as workers completed 90 percent of construction work with in the town of Patriot.
Pvt Raymond L. Peters, whose wife Crystal lives on Rural Route 2, Dillsboro, completed advanced training as a cannoneer at the Army Artillery and Missile Center, Ft. Sill, November 13th.
60 YEARS AGO
Two well known Vevay couples quietly observed their Golden Wedding anniversaries Tuesday at their homes here . Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Poston, who reside on Ferry Street, and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Riley, who reside on Main Street, received the congratulations of many friends.
70 YEARS AGO
Dr. Charles Finch, well known veterinarian, a native and former resident of Switzerland County, died in a Jeffersonville, Indiana hospital Tuesday, November 14th, following a major operation.
Three Switzerland County boys have been listed among the wounded in action in France on November 6th. Pvt. George W. Taggart was slightly wounded in action October 17th on Leyte Island in the Philippines. The name of Sgt. Harvey McFarland was printed in a list of Indiana soldiers wounded in the European area.
Born, a daughter, November 16th, to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lueking.
Mrs. Ruby Virginia Horton of Marysville, Indiana and Virgil Craig of Madison were married Saturday, November 18th, by Justice of the Peace, John Baird, at his home in Vevay.
Born, November 16th, a daughter, Nancy Jane, to Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Cooper.
80 YEARS AGO
Charles C. Pavy, 61, of Rising Sun, a native of this county and former teacher here, was instantly killed Friday afternoon when the automobile he was driving collided with a car driven by George Urban of Cincinnati, near the top of the Rising Sun hill.
Robert Gross of Switzerland County and Miss Norma Campbell of Rising Sun were married November 17th at the home of the bride’s mother, Mrs. Lizzie Campbell.
George W.A. Cole retired businessman and Civil War veteran of Vevay quietly celebrated his 91st birthday November 16th.
Mrs. Lucy Marsh, formerly of East Enterprise, was married last Sunday at Lawrenceburg to Tom Corns of that city, where they will reside.
Leslie Hatton, young farmer living near Mt. Sterling, was instantly killed Tuesday afternoon when he was accidentally thrown against a whirling buzz saw, which he and several companions, including his father, Bryan Hatton, were using to cut cord wood.
Twins were born Tuesday to Mr. and Mrs. Bryant Lowe of Vevay.
90 YEARS AGO
Judge Charles Dumont, a native of Vevay, died at his home in Cincinnati, last week.
The river road from Vevay to near Rising Sun was designated as a state road last week by the highway commission.
Born, November 16th, a son to Mr. and Mrs. M.T. White of Tapps Ridge.
100 YEARS AGO
According to state chemist, rabbits killed in sections of this county were poisoned by eating bark of fruit trees that had been sprayed with an arsenic solution.
The bridge over Willow Creek near Allensville has been completed.
110 YEARS AGO
About 75 guests were present for the wedding of Miss Bernice Bakes and William E. Poston, which was solemnized at the country home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Bakes, November 23rd.
Mrs. Mary Hissem DeMoss, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Capt. M.L. Hissem of Vevay and a lyric soprano of note, is in great demand this season and she has given concerts in Boston, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Minneapolis, and other large cities.
A barn owned by Frank Bear near Bennington burned Monday afternoon. The entire contents, including crops and farming implements were lost.
120 YEARS AGO
The store of Dr. J.M.W. Langsdale at Florence was entered last Sunday night and robbed. Goods amounting to $100 and less than one dollar in change was taken.
Licensed to marry: William W. Marshall and Lavina A. Fox; Edward R. Burkley and Addie Webster, William Sanders and Meca Osborn; Ernest Perry and Rebecca Jane Seavers.
140 YEARS AGO
Triplets were born to Mr. and Mrs. John Tinker of near Allensville.
Aime Siebenthal is completing a cottage on Market Street.
John F. Doan is building a new portico on his fine residence on Main Street.
Married in Markland, Amanda Gullion and William Scudder.
Last Saturday afternoon Samuel Shuff, one of the proprietors of O’Neal and Shull’s saw mill, had about half of his two fingers on his left hand cut off by a circular saw.
Seven workmen are employed in constructing Hall and Lewis’ new building on Ferry Street. It will soon be completed and will be occupied by E. M. Stevens as a drug store.
F.R. Dupraz has completed his new wharf here. Eleven flatboats are lying at the landing here waiting for high water to go south.
150 YEARS AGO
Stephen A. Douglas was reported to have died insolvent. We are glad to learn this is not true. The executor of his estate has presented receipts to the court showing he had paid over $7,500 to Mrs. Douglas and $7,000 to the two children after liquidating all demands against the estate.
The barn of James O. Parks, of Marshall County, containing 300 bushels of wheat and other property worth $1,000 was destroyed by fire on the night of the 2nd. The work of an incendiary.
Sheriff Davis of Clay County has enlisted and gone to war.
Potatoes are worth 60 cents per bushel in Indianapolis.