Published April 30, 2023, in the Columbus Journal shopper
By Peter Kaland
1973
Representing the Columbus Area Junior Rifle Club were champs Ronald Mann, Greg Ganta, Dick Purves, Tom Niehoff, Dale Karow and Rich Karow.
In Columbus School Board action the board accepted the resignation of long-time custodian Lester Schmidt. Hired as the new football coach was Rod Coughlin, who replaced Ken Falkinham; Falkinham was leaving the school system to return to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Loren Lawton announced his resignation as a school-board member.
1983
Columbus pre-school students were treated to a couple of “Days on the Farm” field trips, to the sheep farm belonging to Dr. David Gerber, veterinarian, and to Tim Bacon’s dairy farm.
Seventy Columbus High School juniors and seniors left the comfort of small-town life to tour the Big Apple — New York City — with visits to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
1993
Marygene Huggett commemorated 50 years of employment at Sharrow Drugs. Lloyd Sharrow hired Huggett in 1943; She worked part-time while still attending high school. The Kalk Drug Store, the name back in 1943, was a “classic” drug store with a soda fountain, cosmetics, Rexall 1-cent sales, prescriptions and other items.
2003
The National Honor Society held a blood drive at Columbus High School with a goal of collecting 40 pints of blood. Chris Salzwedel wore the “Blood Drop” costume.
After considerable debate the Columbus City Council approved the installation of sidewalks along Dix Street as part of the street upgrade. Many residents along the street were opposed to including sidewalks in the project.
Photos from Columbus Journal files — visit www.wiscnews.com and search for “Columbus Histor30
Published April 23, 2023, in the Columbus Journal shopper
By Peter Kaland
1973
The third-annual Antique Show and Sale sponsored by the Columbus Women’s Civic Club was held at St. Jerome’s school gym. The previous year’s show attracted antique lovers from a 100-mile radius.
Tearing down of the Mudrock house began. The home, located on the corner of Ludington and Harrison streets, was removed to make way for a new fire station.
1983
Eighty years ago the Columbus Mundeo Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was formed. Lois Caldwell and Wilma Black were awarded special 50-year membership pins.
American Packaging Corporation neared completion of a bag-manufacturing plant in a new 35,000-square-foot building on Continental Drive. The building was constructed by Midwest Metal Building Systems of Columbus.
1993
Political newcomer Joseph Marks, 20, defeated two opponents by a 2-1 margin to become Columbus’s youngest mayor.
Two new faces elected to the Columbus School Board were Jim Schieble and Robert Link. They were elected to the seats vacated by retiring board members Lois White and Debra Huntley.
2003
Students at Zion Lutheran School celebrated their graduation from the D.A.R.E. program — Drug Abuse Resistance Education. Two students were recognized for their D.A.R.E. essays — Cassie Pratt and Sarah Bartels. Sarah’s essay was selected as the winner in the statewide contest. She was invited to read her essay at a Milwaukee Brewer’s game and throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
The Columbus School Board accepted three staff resignations. Nancy Kirchberg and Krissane O’Brien both retired from teaching; Tekoni Maughan left for another position.
Photos from Columbus Journal files — visit www.wiscnews.com and search for “Columbus Histor23
Published April 16, 2023, in the Columbus Journal shopper
By Peter Kaland
1973
John Wildner was elected president of the Columbus Country Club, replacing Bruce Robertson.
The Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post again sponsored its annual sale of Red Buddy Poppies.
1983
William Hackbarth was hired as the new Columbus Cardinal Boy’s Track team coach, replacing Rod Coughlin who held the position for the past 22 years.
Dan Sedik of Columbus qualified to run April 18 in the Boston Marathon.
1993
It all began in January 1971 in the house of Ron and Marcella Steindl. The Columbus Police Department Dispatch Center was manned during the day by Al Abrams, city clerk. The Steindls took over from 4 p.m. until 8 a.m. the next morning, Monday through Thursday. The weekends began at 4 p.m. Friday, continuing until Monday morning. The Steindls retired in 1985 after 13 years of service. After their retirement the dispatch moved to the Columbus City Hall and then to the police department. It had four dispatchers — Sharon Lyons, Donna Bohn, Gwen Ladwig and Kathy Reese.
Members of the Columbus Winter Adult Recreation Volleyball team that captured first place in the league were Lin Wiedmann, Trisha Farrington, Joel Weidmann, Else Lenz, Richard Sheard, Roger Lenz, Dave Lobeck and Todd Farrington.
2003
Sue Sewell, elementary science teacher at the Columbus Middle School, won the prestigious National Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
Dawn Tramburg, Brandi Beers and Michaela Skalitzky were winners in the National “You’re Your Vision Third Grade Coloring Contest” sponsored by Davis, Duehr, Dean in Columbus.
Photos from Columbus Journal files — visit www.wiscnews.com and search for “Columbus History”
Published April 9, 2023, in the Columbus Journal shopper
By Peter Kaland
1973
Otto Ninabuck was honored by the town of Elba at its annual meeting, for his 45 years of service to the town.
The Columbus-Fall River Jaycees along with Stadler Electric donated lights that were scheduled to be installed at the Fireman’s Park tennis courts.
1983
Four candidates were running for two seats on the Columbus Public School Board in the April election. The candidates were Joe Roche, Julia Hoffman, Devon Barrix and Robert Bergum. Running for the office of Columbus mayor were Vincent Bergstrom and Peter Kaland.
An Antiques Mall in the Columbus Industrial Complex, 239 Whitney St., opened its doors Saturday, April 9, featuring antiques, collectables, furniture and consignments, said complex owner Dan Amato. Norm and Virginia Hageman managed the business.
1993
The Columbus High School yearbook staff sponsored an All-Star Intramural basketball team versus a faculty team. Members of the student intramural team were Joe Brown, Lyle Elske, Jerrod Fox, Darren Gmeinder, Chris Gosnell, Josh McIntyre, Pat McNicol, Tim Olson, John Pratt, Andy Shepard and coach Ben McCormick. The faculty team included Antioho, Hintzman, Jansen, Kauffeld, O’Brien, Rikli, Thies, Titus, Urban and Zahn.
Winners in the Knights of Columbus free-throw shooting contest were Liz Katz, second place, and Kelli Liverseed, first place.
2003
Veteran Columbus alderman Bill Wendt, who served as alderman for eight years, was elected mayor with 855 votes; write-in candidate Debra Huntley had 530 votes and former mayor Joseph Marks was third with 322 votes.
Columbus residents Bernard and Elaine Baerwald were chosen to be the 2003 Fourth of July Parade Marshals. They were chosen for their volunteer work in the Columbus area.
Photos from Columbus Journal files — visit www.wiscnews.com and search for “Columbus History”
Published April 2, 2023, in the Columbus Journal shopper
By Peter Kaland
1973
The Columbus-Fall River Jaycees had plans to clean-up the Milwaukee Road train depot in Columbus. Included were renovations to the depot building and cleaning the surrounding grounds. Wis. Gov. Patrick Lucey designated April 27-28 as “Spruce-Up-Clean-Up Weekend” and this was one of the projects.
A late-winter snowstorm caused the closing of area schools and businesses.
1983
Fall River gymnast Gina Piazza won the Class B All-Around Title at the state tournament in Wisconsin Rapids with a score of 8.56. She placed first in floor exercises, beam and uneven bars; she placed fourth in the vault.
Ethel Theede was honored for her 40 years of dedicated service at the First National Bank, by the directors, officers and staff of the bank. She began her career in March 1943.
1993
Freddy the Firetruck had a new friend as the Columbus Fire Department unveiled “Firepup.” Firepup was purchased to promote fire safety. Gerry Galston, fire-education officer, will use Firepup and Freddy in fire-safety presentations.
Columbus Lady Cardinal senior gymnast Ann Powers won the state title in the All-Around Competition at the state Division 2 meet at Wisconsin Rapids.
2003
Ryan Dean, son of Kelli Dean, danced in the production of “Coppelia” by the Dance Wisconsin ballet group. “Coppelia” is the story of a mechanical doll that comes to life.
The low-budget film “Broke” was created by three graduates of Columbus High School. Andrew Basler, Mitch Dhein and Craig Sauer wrote, directed and produced the film. The movie was scheduled to be shown at the Orpheum Theater in Madison.
Photos from Columbus Journal files — visit www.wiscnews.com and search for “Columbus History”
Published March 26, 2023, in the Columbus Journal shopper
By Peter Kaland
1973
The Columbus City Council received plans on the proposed new fire station. The Fire Department and Planning Commission was working with an Oshkosh architectural firm on plans for the new station. Some concern was expressed concerning what would be done with the house on the property and the taking down of the old station.
A logjam on the Crawfish River led to widespread flooding of lowlands along the river. Water was brushing the bottom of the Wisconsin Highway 16 bridge just below the dam.
1983
Tom Kraus, a seed salesman in Middleton, purchased three loads of farm equipment from Mid-State Power and Equipment. The group then set out on a 7,000-mile round trip to Delta Junction, Alaska, where Kraus purchased 3,000 acres of farm land.
The City Council approved plans to build a park with two men’s and women’s softball diamonds on city land between Robbins Creek and U.S. Highway 151. Instead of a park, the Columbus Water & Light relocated to the site.
1993
The Columbus Police and Fire Commission appointed Anthony Bruns of Broadhead as the new police chief, replacing Jack Pace.
Chris Behl of CB Video was hired to videotape City Council meetings, which would be shown on the local access channel at a later date. The service began April 7.
2003
The Columbus Lady Cardinals basketball team captured their second-straight state championship with a 51-40 win over Fox Valley Lutheran in the title game.
Members of the Columbus Popcorn Wagon Association pushed Columbus’ restored 1928 Dunbar Popcorn Wagon into its new home at 128 W. James St. The wagon was owned and operated by George Hasey for more than 50 years in its location at the four corners in downtown Columbus.
Photos from Columbus Journal files — visit www.wiscnews.com and search for “Columbus History”
Published March 19, 2023, in the Columbus Journal shopper
By Peter Kaland
1973
Susan Reese, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Donald Reese, was selected as student of the month representing the eighth grade at Dickason School. James Hasey, son of Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Hasey, was selected as the seventh-grade student of the month. Both students played piano and were active in the Solo and Ensemble Contest.
Historically the Columbus Woman’s Civic Club was interested in the community’s development and enrichment. The Woman’s Club was active in an attempt to start a nursery school and had received a favorable response from parents. Mrs. Dennis Garrett and Mrs. Robert Black were contact people.
1983
Susan Running of Columbus and Jodi Kirchberg of Fall River were selected for the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award given by the Columbus Mondeo Chapter of the DAR.
Twenty-five Columbus High School forensic students participated in the Capitol Conference Forensic Contest; the team placed second.
1993
The city of Columbus received news that the Wisconsin Highway 60 bypass around the Industrial Park would be completed two years earlier than planned. The city requested the project timeline be changed because it had a developer interested in building a 50-room motel, restaurant and convenience store that needed access from Wisconsin Highway 16.
Laura Burcher celebrated her 100th birthday March 11 at the Columbus Care Center.
2003
March Madness was evident as this past Saturday’s Columbus Cardinal fans endured both the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat with the 20-2 boys-basketball team defeated by Ripon 66-61, while the girls team defeated Racine St. Catherine’s — giving them the opportunity to defend their Division 2 state-championship crown.
Employees honored for milestone work anniversaries at American Packaging Corporation for 30 years of service included Rick Lischa and Mike Raether.
Photos from Columbus Journal files — visit www.wiscnews.com and search for “Columbus History”
Published March 12, 2023, in the Columbus Journal shopper
By Peter Kaland
1973
The Columbus Kiwanis Club honored boy scoutmaster Fred Kraft and cubmaster James Warminsky for their work with area youth.
The Wisconsin Telephone Company announced plans to bury 17 miles of telephone cable with 180 telephone poles and 17 miles of aerial cable.
1983
For the past 25 years, Wray George had witnessed the transformation of the athletic program at Columbus High School from its early beginnings to something to be proud of. George played football at University of Wisconsin-Madison for four years under legendary coach Harry Sthuldrecher, one of the famed four horsemen of Norte Dame. George came to Columbus High School in 1956 as junior-varsity and track coach. The next year he became head basketball, varsity-assistant football and wrestling coach. Jim Fritchen became basketball coach in 1959, and John Ganga head football coach. George was appointed athletic director after the 1959-1960 school year.
Columbus Associates, a group of local investors, unveiled a proposal to spend $650,000 to transform the old Columbus hospital into a 40-unit elderly housing center.
1993
Ground was broken March 4 in the Columbus Industrial Park for the Columbus Water & Light new administration building, utility garage, substation and well No. 4. The 17-acre site is located on the northeast corner of the intersection of U.S. Highway 151 bypass and Wisconsin Highway 60. The new well No. 4, 677 feet deep, was drilled to back up the wells at the old Water & Light site.
The Columbus Rural Fire Group purchased a 1993 fire tanker truck that holds 2,800 gallons of water for rural fires.
2003
Columbus’s first day of a measurable seasonal snowfall didn’t come until March 2003. Young people enjoyed throwing snowballs and playing in the snow.
Pat Wendt stood among the 14,976 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies stored in her garage. Top sellers were Bridget Weisensel, 777 boxes; Chelsea Beers, 513 boxes; and Abby Luick, 462 boxes.
Photos from Columbus Journal files — visit www.wiscnews.com and search for “Columbus History”
Published March 5, 2023, in the Columbus Journal shopper
By Peter Kaland
1973
This week marked a new era in the life of the Columbus Journal Republican, a transition from a “Lowell Larson Publication” to the newest member of the Citizen Publishing Company group of newspapers published by Francis Conners and James Conley Jr. Larson published the paper since 1964, when he replaced “Bud” Larson.
Under the leadership of Wray George the Columbus High School faculty held their annual pancake supper. Proceeds from the pancake supper fund an annual Faculty Scholarship awarded each year to a graduating senior.
1983
Diane Burdick, adviser to the Columbus High School chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America, received a State FBLA Award of Recognition for five years of service to the organization.
Daryl Schultz, a 1981 graduate of Columbus High School who served as president of the local FFA Chapter, received his State Farmer Degree. He was elected as one of four vice-presidents of the State FFA organization.
1993
David Wright presented Bev Liebenthal, Fall River High School librarian, a copy of a video presentation entitled “Scenes of Early Fall River.” It was originally a slide presentation that was compiled by David’s father Walter Wright. Fall River was plotted in 1946 by A.A. Brayton; plans were underway for the sesquicentennial in 1996.
Former Columbus mayor James Kelsh announced his intention to run a write-in candidate for the mayoral position in the April election. Kelsh was running against Joseph Marks and incumbent Tom Christiansen.
2003
Farmers & Merchants Union Bank opened a branch office in Juneau. The bank has headquarters in Columbus, with branches in Columbus, Juneau and Friesland.
The Columbus Lady Cardinals basketball team had 52 straight wins in the Capitol Conference as they picked up their fourth-straight outright title.
Photos from Columbus Journal files — visit www.wiscnews.com and search for “Columbus History”
Published Feb. 26, 2023, in the Columbus Journal shopper
By Peter Kaland
1973
Dave Weidemann, a former Columbus resident, now at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, met with students on college planning.
The Columbus boys’ basketball team lost to Milton, 54-52, in an overtime game before a standing-room-only crowd at Columbus High School. The Cardinals shared the conference title with Milton. Kim Meister led the Cards with 18 points.
1983
The Columbia County Land Conservation Department completed the annual conservation and environmental-awareness poster contest, with Columbus students taking first place in all three divisions. Steve Black placed first in the Elementary Division, Andy Black in the Junior Division, and Justine Beal in the Senior Division.
Four local teachers were involved in the Southwestern Education In-Service Organization. Viorene Newton served on the executive and planning committee, Mark Jurovic and Dennis Sampolinski were presenters, and Sue Sewell monitored a sharing session.
1993
The Kiwanis Club honored Dr. Bob and Dr. Chub Poser at the Wisconsin Singers Concert. The doctors were honored for their service to the Columbus community. The Wisconsin Singers Concerts were an annual fundraiser for the Columbus Kiwanis Club.
Newcomer Joseph Marks won the mayoral primary by a margin of 2-1 over appointed mayor Tom Christiansen and Alderman Jack Sanderson.
2003
A primary election for mayor of Columbus assured that a new mayor would be elected in April because current mayor Michael Eisenga came in third with 20% of the vote. Alderman William Wendt received 43% of the vote and former mayor Joseph Marks received 36% of the vote. Marks and Wendt were on the ballot in the April election.
Roger Thomas, 77, former president of the Farmers & Merchants Union Bank, passed away this past week in Florida. Thomas worked at Kaasa Seed before joining the bank in 1961, and was the current chairman of the Board of the bank.
Photos from Columbus Journal files — visit www.wiscnews.com and search for “Columbus History”
Published Feb. 19, 2023, in the Columbus Journal shopper
By Peter Kaland
1973
Nathan Wessel of Columbus won top honors in a spelling bee contest at Lakeside Lutheran High School, Lake Mills.
Columbus Community Hospital added communications equipment to direct-dial hospitals in Beaver Dam, Fort Atkinson, Portage, Watertown, Baraboo and St. Mary’s-Madison as well as the local fire department.
1983
In a Feb. 3 request to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the city requested a “No-Fault” status because Columbus would not meet the June 30, 1983, compliance target for the sewer system. The “No-Fault” request would allow the state to grant sewer extensions for new buildings in the community.
The Columbus School District established three “Publishing Centers” for grades one through six located at Dickason, Hampden and Fuller Street schools. Mary Baker, coordinator, led a group of volunteer parents that assisted students in writing, illustrating and publishing the books they authored.
1993
The Columbus Board of Public Works voted 2-1 to recommend to the City Council for the assessments for Parkview II improvements. The lot assessments would be based on lot size instead of by linear footage.
Students and staff at Fuller Street School celebrated the 100th day of school, centered on math activities using mini boxes of raisins.
2003
Florence Franz was honored for 60 years of volunteering for the American Red Cross. She began serving before World War II on Statin Island, New York. She came to Wisconsin after she married; she joined the local Red Cross in the late 1940s. She started with the blood program and has been with it ever since. Elaine Grossman joined as co-coordinator of the blood drives.
Columbus High School girls-basketball player Morgan Roberts scored her 1,000th career point in a game against Wisconsin Heights.
Photos from Columbus Journal files — visit www.wiscnews.com and search for “Columbus History”
Published Feb. 12, 2023, in the Columbus Journal shopper
By Peter Kaland
1973
Ken Falkinham’s algebra classes sponsored a bridge-building contest to test the strengths of various angles and different construction models to see which bridge could hold up the most weight.
Mrs. Don Lee was named the chairman of the Heart Fund fundraiser for the Elba Township.
1983
An ordinance merging the city’s Park Board and Recreation Committee under the auspices of the Public Works Department was passed by the City Council. The action dissolved the Park Association and board, formerly comprised of Columbus Fire Department personnel, with the Board of Public Works placed in charge of necessary maintenance.
The Columbus Community Hospital’s Auxiliary donated $3,000 in gifts to the hospital. Included in the gift was equipment for the Anesthesia unit.
1993
St. Jerome’s School celebrated Catholic Schools Week. Second-grade students were pictured showing off their hats during “Hat Day.”
Parkview II residents expressed their opposition to proposed assessments for curb, gutter, paving, and storm sewer in the subdivision based on a cost per linear foot. Some residents asked that the assessments be per lot and have the city pick up more of the costs.
2003
Fall River band director Jeff Mroz began forming small rock bands soon after he began teaching in 1971. Suzie Linder, Abby Green, Nick Eggert and Drew Carlson made up the current Fall River Rock Band.
The Rev. Susan Quigley was ordained at Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison, and was called to be associate pastor at Faith Lutheran Church.
Photos from Columbus Journal files — visit www.wiscnews.com and search for “Columbus History”
Published Feb. 05, 2023, in the Columbus Journal shopper
By Peter Kaland
1973
Why did Columbus need a bypass? Pictured is a lineup of cars and trucks lined up back to Mullin’s Drive-Inn waiting a train to clear the highway.
Farmers & Merchants Union Bank announced the hiring of Mrs. Ray Grueneberg as a teller and Miss Rae Marie Link in the bookkeeping department.
1983
The Columbus Department of Public Works requested up to four deer from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to replace six deer that escaped when vandals cut a chain at the gate in Fireman’s Park, releasing the deer. Public Works employee Bob O’Brion noted that the park had a deer pen since the early 1940s. The Columbus Journal Republican printed a picture of Freddy, a well-liked tame deer that was killed and removed from the pen by a vandal in November 1981.
The Aetna Life Insurance Company of Madison announced the appointment of Ronald Balfanz as a sales representative in Columbus.
1993
For 12 years Fred A. Stare’s “story” graced the pages of the Columbus Journal Republican, starting on April 5, 1951. Stare every week gave the readers an installment on the community called home with his “Story of Columbus.” Stare’s final article appeared in May 1963. Stare was 86 at the time and the Journal Republican decided to rerun the articles beginning the following week.
The Columbus High School Concert Choir was taking orders for singing Valentines that would be delivered Feb. 14.
2003
Kathy’s Kreations, a local flower shop at 125 S. Ludington Ave., added a second store in Juneau.
The Columbus Chamber of Commerce honored member Sally Price in recognition of the three years she served on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Photos from Columbus Journal files — visit www.wiscnews.com and search for “Columbus History”
Published Jan. 12, 2023, in the Columbus Journal shopper
By Peter Kaland
1973
Front page news included a report that a woman, Catherine Durfee, had taken out nomination papers for the office of Columbus mayor. John Jellison, Don Ehlenfeldt and Elvin Reynolds also took out nomination papers for mayor.
President Carroll B. Callahan was honored at the annual stockholders dinner for 25 years as a director of the First National Bank. Callahan was elected president and chairman of the board of the bank in 1961. Ethel Theede was also honored for 30 years of service to the bank.
1983
Columbus varsity-wrestling coach, Rich Brouillard, reported his wrestling team defeated Waunakee 36-23 for the first time in the history of Cardinal wrestling during a period of 26 years.
The Clark service station was granted a Class “A” Beer License after meeting the criteria for the license. A number of local residents had voiced their opposition to beer being sold at gas stations.
1993
Recently initiated Columbus FFA Greenhand Award recipients were Jon Kmiec, Becky Schultz, Tony Benisch, Brad Prosser, Tom Prosser, Jon Hermanson and Andrea Lewke.
The Columbus Farmers & Merchants Union Bank was the winner in the first “Best Dressed Holiday Window Contest” voted on by local residents. Second place went to Pine Peddlers and third to South Side Sportswear Shop. Fourth place was a tie between Walcott Studio and Central Beauty Shop.
2003
Mayor Mike Eisenga posed on the new North Lewis Street Bridge that was opened for traffic. The railroad provided funds that covered the city share of the cost of the bridge.
CD Farm Supply presented a check to the Columbus/Fall River Food Pantry. Donations were received during a promotion where customers could have their pets’ pictures taken with Santa.
Photos from Columbus Journal files — visit www.wiscnews.com and search for “Columbus History”
