Good Old Days – 05-02-14

100 YEARS AGO

MAY 2, 1914

'Verdict For $16,000 Awarded To Mrs. Phillips – Big Damages Against Union Pacific For Death Of Plaintiffs Husband'

The trail of the damage case of Erba J. Phillips vs. Union Pacific R. R. Co. was held in district court this week and a verdict for $16,000 was given the plaintiff by the jury. Mrs. Phillips sued to recover damages for the death of her husband, Ray Chester Phillips which occurred on March 13, 1913, in a wreck on the Union Pacific which took place twelve miles west of Sidney while a Blizzard was raging. Mr. Phillips train was run into by the engine of a freight following. Conductor Ray C. Phillips, Brakesman Charles M. Cradit and three stockmen were killed when the caboose was demolished.

Last year the administrator of the estate of Brakesman Charles M. Cradit, received a verdict for $15,000. This case was appealed to the Supreme Court by the Railroad company. At this term of the case of the administratrix of the Phillips case was similar to that of the first case. The testimony of witness of the first case was submitted in writing for this case.

Both sides had an array of legal talent which consumed one day in giving of their plea. Devoe and Swenson and Wilcox and Halligaa represented the Plaintiff. Miles and MacIntosh and Edson Rich and A. S. Ellick made the defence. The case occupied from Monday morning until Wednesday at four o'clock when it went to the Jury. The Jury deliberated five hours and brought in a Verdict for the Plaintiff as above.

The jury on the case of Phillips vs. Union Pacific comprised the following citizens: W. F. Moore, Lewis Brott, Gorge Minshall, W. L. Bates, Fred Frahm, C. M. Anderson, Fritz Brauer, Fred Rehmer, H. A. Chalberg, Jake Hansen, John Calkins, H. C. Anderson.

75 YEARS AGO

MAY 2, 1939

'Over 50,000 Acres Of Beets Are Signed Up'

D. J. Roach, Nebraska district manager of the Great Western Sugar company, Saturday announced a total of 55,436 acres of sugar beets have so far been contracted for the Nebraska factories for the season of 1939, which is more than the final of 1938 contracted acreage of 55,379 acres.

"Contracting of beet acreage is contracting and since those growers who have already contracted have made application for an additional 4,782 acres, it is believed that approximately the government allot men of 59,679 acres will be reached before planting is completed," Roach said.

"Approximately 85 percent of the contracted acreage has been planted. The Wheatland factory has contracted 7,006 acres, as compared with 6,000 aces last year."

50 YEARS AGO

APRIL 27, 1964

'1964 Cancer Crusade In Full Swing'

"Answers to Questions that may help save your life" is the title of the leaflet being left at homes throughout Cheyenne County as the American Cancer Society conducts its educational and fund-raising Crusade this month.

Dr. Paul Atkinson, Cheyenne County Chairman, states, "We hope to make this the greatest educational effort ever undertaken by the Society in its fight to help protect our people from death from cancer."

The leaflets are being distributed with the Cancer Crusade envelopes in which monetary contributions may be made for this cause. A neighbor to neighbor campaign has been in progress in Sidney and other towns in the area for the past two weeks, with envelopes making the rounds.

According to Dr. Atkinson, the county workers hope to complete the Crusade by the end of April, adding, "I hope that each family in this community will open its door and its heart and make the kind of donations required by the urgency of the Cancer problem when a crusade volunteer calls."

John Mason is Chairman of the 1964 Crusade, with Mrs. Edna Dedrick, in charge of memorial funds; Mrs. Learra Appelhans, residential chairman; Mrs. W. J. Vercera, assistant residential chairman; Mrs. Marguerite McMillan: Treasurer and Mrs. Aufdengarten, publicity.

25 YEARS AGO

APRIL 28, 1989

'Husker Poet-Second Grader Winner In UNL Football Prose Contest'

A North School second grader's love of writing, and being a fan of the University of Nebraska football team, has earned her, and her parents, tickets to a Husker home game this fall.

Candice Harkins, daughter of Ronald and Caralee Harkins, Rt1, Sidney, is one of 14 Nebraska school-age children in an Art and Prose contest Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Nebraska football.

The contest, co.-sponsored by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and the Teachers Collage Alumni Association, drew 2,200 entries from Elementary, Junior High and Middle School students all over the state. Contestants entered posters, drawings, essays, short stories and poems the theme, "I think Nebraska football is important because....." Candace, a second grader of Anne Belieu's at North School, is a winner in the grades 1 and 2 division.

Winners will have their photo taken with UNL Football Coach Tom Osborne and receive an autographed Nebraska Football, game tickets for themselves and two members of their family, and recognition in the official game program.

Her Entry, entitled "Football Poem," Goes:

Nebraska football helps the state because the Cornhuskers are great.

Nebraska is a long, long State; farmers grow food, factories make plates. East and West sometimes fight and hate.

But, everyone gets together, They crowd together at the gate. They cheer, they get loud while they wait, They all agree the team is great.

TEN YEARS AGO

MAY 5, 2004

'End Of A Shopping Area – Sidney's ALCO Closes Its Doors After 26 Years'

Sidney's ALCO store closed Tuesday after more than a quarter-century of operation. The closure was not publicized and was effective immediately, leaving many customers with a bewildered look as they approached the store's papered-over front windows.

"As a normal course of business, we financially evaluate all our locations on an annual basis or when lease options allow us to exit," said District Manager, Dave Doty in a company news release. "Our study indicated we would be able to make better use of our assets in another market."

According to Doty, the store manager will be transferred to another ALCO location. Store associates will be offered positions at other locations as well.

"The Sidney store has been very good to our company and we wish to express our thanks to the many friends that we have served over the past 26 years and best wishes to the many employees that have served our company faithfully during that period of time," said Doty.

"We certainly appreciate the service ALÇO has been to the community and their presence here," said Sidney City Manager, Gary Person. "It's unfortunate for the employees, and unfortunately it's one of those things that happens in free enterprise."

According to Person, there is already some definite interest in the building and he doesn't foresee it being vacant for long. "I'm confident we'll see another operation in there that will serve the community's needs.

Duckwall-ALCO Stores, Inc. continues to operate 268 stores in 21 states. Gering, Ogallala, North Platte, Yuma, Colo. and Fort Morgan, Colo. are the closest ALCO stores to the Sidney area.