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Special supplement Sunday, June 19, 2011 Celebrating Sidney’s 100 years of progress! TOWN AND COUNTRY FESTIVAL ‘Where town and country people meet.’ Celebrating the Sunrise City's Centennial June 24, 25 & 26 2011
Transcript
Page 1: Sidney Centennial

Special supplement Sunday, June 19, 2011

Celebrating Sidney’s 100 years of progress!

TOWN AND COUNTRY FESTIVAL‘Where town and country people meet.’

Celebrating the Sunrise City's Centennial

June 24, 25 & 26 2011

Page 2: Sidney Centennial

Sidney’s Centennial2 SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 SIDNEY HERALD

BY BILL VANDERWEELESIDNEY HERALD

Sidney’s residents will celebrate thecommunity’s 100 years in existence instyle with the Town and Country Festi-val and centennial celebration Fridaythrough Sunday.

“As the Town and Country committee,we’re excited,” Marci Albin, immediatepast president of the Sidney Area Cham-ber of Commerce and Agriculture, said.“We have a lot of activities going on withthe Town and Country and centennial.”

The fun will officially kick off with theSidney Kiwanis Club’s pie social from 10a.m. to 2 p.m. at Veterans Memorial ParkFriday. Usually the event, which featuresbrats, hot dogs, baked beans and plentyof homemade pies, is held in July, but Ki-wanis moved the social to be part of thecentennial celebration.

Residents will get another chance tofill their stomachs with great food thatday when the city, Blue Rock Distribu-tors and Border Steel and Recyclingsponsors a free meal at the park cateredby the Ranger Lounge starting at 5 p.m.

A PowerPoint presentation about Sid-ney’s history provided by the MonDakHeritage Center is scheduled for 6:30-7:30p.m.

Sidney’s Swing Band will entertainstarting at 8 p.m. to close Friday’s activi-ties.

On Saturday, the annual Sidney HealthCenter HealthWorks fun run begins at 8a.m. Registration begins at 7 a.m. at Sid-ney Health Center.

Sidewalk sales start in downtown Sid-ney at 9 a.m.

The Sidney Jaycees sponsors the annu-al pet parade at 9:30 a.m. beginning atVeterans Memorial Park on Central Av-enue.

The grand parade, which also goesthrough Central Avenue, begins at 9:30a.m. from the Reynolds/Pamida parkinglot. Albin notes last year’s parade fea-tured 42 floats. The top entries will re-ceive prizes.

“I would like to double that,” she said.She encourages people, groups and busi-

nesses that want to participate withfloats, tractors, antique cars, and horseand buggies to call the chamber, 433-1916.

Free stage entertainment is scheduleddowntown on East Main from 10 a.m. to 2p.m. Performers will include gymnasts,the Sidney High School choir, martialarts, singing from 4 by Grace, the CuttingEdge Dance Studio, Stomping Groundsand youth actors.

Starting at 11 a.m., there will be free ac-tivities geared to children including facepainting, a petting zoo, carnival games,jumping castle, a rock wall, bungee runand even a clown will entertain.A free feed, sponsored by Enerplus, be-gins at 11:30 a.m. on East Main. “Wethank Enerplus for stepping forward forthis year’s celebration,” Albin said.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the MonDakHeritage Center will provide a horse-drawn tour of historic homes.

At the Richland County Fairgrounds,meanwhile, the Neal Hermanson Memo-rial Ranch Rodeo will take place for thethird straight year at 2 p.m. The MonDak

Area Stockgrowers will have LittleBuckaroo events including mutton bust-ing. “Little kids will get on a sheep andhold on for eight seconds,” Albin said. Ifinterested in getting your child involved,call Keith Dynneson, 798-3661.

At 5-7 p.m., the Sidney Community Ed-ucation Foundation will provide a mealat the 1st Bank parking lot located be-hind the South 40. Proceeds will benefitthe West Side Elementary School’s play-ground fund.

Youth performers of the Footlights andGreasepaint Theatre will present “Trip-ping Through Time” at 6:30 p.m. at St.Matthew’s event center.

The day of fun will close with a streetdance sponsored by the city starting at 8p.m. in the 1st Bank parking lot. TheBucky Beaver Ground Grippers will pro-vide a wide range of music.

On Sunday, the Sidney Volunteer FireDepartment will hold its breakfast at thefire hall starting at 6 a.m. and running to1 p.m.

CBS news correspondent and Sidney

native Barry Petersen will be the fea-tured speaker at Veterans MemorialPark beginning at 1 p.m.

The Sidney Herald will sponsor an icecream social from 1-4 p.m. at the park.

A community church service isplanned for 4 p.m. at Veterans MemorialPark.

In case of inclement weather, eventswill be moved to the Richland CountyFair’s event center.

Albin notes other members of theTown and Country Board include JamieLarson, Libby Berndt, David Seitz, IdelleBadt, Rita Jacobson, Melissa Schoepp,Benjamin Clark, Leann Pelvit and CamiSkinner.

“We’re working really hard on a greatthree-day event, especially Town andCountry day on Saturday,” Albin said.“We’re trying to make it extra special.”

Albin thanks the sponsors for makingsuch a celebration possible. “Havingsponsors like this is what the chamberrelies on for having great events.”

FILE

Free stage entertainment is scheduled downtown on East Main from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Performers will include gymnasts, the Sid-ney High School choir, martial arts, singing from 4 by Grace, the Cutting Edge Dance Studio, Stomping Grounds and youth actors.

Sidney prepares to celebrate 100 years of growth

This weekend, Sidney is celebrating 100 years of greatness.From being a pioneer town to earning a place as the county seat and then through

the oil booms, it’s been an amazing ride for this city in eastern Montana.This section profiles a few of the people who helped made and, in some cases, are

still involved in making Sidney a special place to live.For some of the individuals who made a giant impact in Sidney’s infant years, we

thank the creators of “Courage Enough” for providing in-depth information.

We thank the people who shared memories and photographs of past great contribu-tors in order to make this section a keepsake.

In no way should this section be considered a final statement of the greatest indi-viduals of our history. Instead, these pages should be regarded as a snapshot of someof the people we are thankful for gracing our streets during the last 100 years. Sidneywouldn’t be the same without them.

Stories meant to commemorate citizens who continue to shape future of Sidney

Page 3: Sidney Centennial

Amanda has fond memories of happy

meals, birthday parties and playlands as a

child. Never did she think her childhood

fun would lead to a successful career.

Congratulations Sidney on your successes!

McDonald’s experience has been a familya�air for Amanda Norby. Her knowledge,commitment and in�uence help grow theMcDonald’s team each year.

Sidney

Serving the community for over 70 years

Johnsie DeVries and Al Ste�an c. 1950

Building photo from the late 1950s-early 1960s

Sidney’s CentennialSIDNEY HERALD SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 3

Page 4: Sidney Centennial

Sidney’s Centennial4 SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 SIDNEY HERALD

BY ASHLEE ANVIKSIDNEY HERALD

One of the most influential citizens topioneer the plains of eastern Montanawas Augustus Vaux. His entrepreneurialspirit left a lasting impression on thecommunity and many of his accomplish-ments still stand today.

Originating from a small farm inFaribault Common, Minn., he had al-ready acquired and maintained a suc-cessful lumber business. Convinced bytwo former classmates of opportunity ineastern Montana, Vaux and his familytook a leap of faith for a fresh start intothe unknown territory of eastern Mon-tana on horse and buggy in January1906.

An entrepreneurial spirit, Vauxchanged the landscape of Sidney inmany ways, forming the foundation ofmany landmarks that exist in some formtoday.

Vaux purchased a lumber yard rightaway in Mondak, and another inRidgelawn and moved it to Sidney.

“This lumber yard was very importantfor the community because the citizensneeded the lumber to build the home-stead shacks,” historian Mary Mercersaid. This building and office became thefirst courthouse of Richland County in1914.

Vaux took his knowledge of the lum-ber business and built himself an em-pire called the Valley Mercantile andLumber Company with locations in Sid-ney, Mondak, Fairview, Crane, Sears andSavage. As the economic landscapetransformed, all locations were eventual-ly sold including the Sidney yard and ele-vator which was sold to Midwest Lum-ber Company in 1939.

During this time, Vaux established thefirst grain market to Sidney whenfreight such as grain, groceries and oth-er necessities were hauled by freightwagon or steamboat, then hauled fromMondak back to Sidney.

Expanding on his business portfolio,Vaux partnered with colleagues to formthe Valley Hardware Company in 1910.He served as the president of the firmfrom 1939 to 1950. Additionally, he helpedpioneer the logistics system in Sidney bystarting the grain elevator at the site ofthe Northern Pacific Railway line.

“He heard they were going to run thetrain from Riverview, and it would by-

pass Sidney,” said Mercer who knew theVaux family. “He got a hold of the bigshots, and said they would have a grainelevator if they changed their route tocome through Sidney.”

R.S. Nutt, Vaux and Arnie Ferris were

appointed to assist in the incorporationof Sidney that took place on April 21,1911.

In 1913 Vaux served as mayor of Sid-ney and established some of the city’sfirst parks, as well as main street which

was frequented by horse and buggy andthe occasional car. Vaux strived to im-prove the aesthetic appeal of the town bysponsoring yard and garden contests.

In the interest of the community, theVauxs also purchased the Lone TreeRanch two miles from Sidney along theLone Tree Creek. The community wasgranted access and enjoyed the use of itsnatural swimming pool and a pavilionwhich was used for dancing.

“That was quite a spot; it was the bigplace to go for picnics,” Mercer said. The

family proved to be an influential part ofthe early economic stages of RichlandCounty, but remained active in the politi-cal and social scene as well.

Vaux served as a charter member andfirst secretary of the Commercial Clubwhich was formed in 1908. He was an in-augural leader of the newly formed com-munity and served as mayor from 1913 to1916. Additionally, he was president ofthe Chamber of Commerce for manyyears. He lent his expertise and leader-ship through involvement in the Mon-tana State Fair Board, the Sidney SchoolBoard and on the executive committee ofthe Montana Taxpayers Association.

Augustus Vaux was a true neighborwhen times were rough. He was oftenknown for lending a financial hand tohis fellow community members andfounded several charities.

Mrs. Vaux was very active in EasternStar and enjoyed knitting. She passedaway Jan. 10, 1944.

Augustus died July 15, 1953, and is re-membered as a legend; an exemplarycivilian of the times, pulling his ownweight and setting the bar of achieve-ment at new heights.

Vaux family shapes economic landscape of early Richland County area

SUBMITTED

Augustus and Maud Vaux arrived in Sidney in 1906 from Minnesota. He was an early pio-neer to the area and helped develop the economic landscape of early Sidney.

‘This lumbar yard was veryimportant for the community

because the citizens needed thelumber to build the homestead

shacks.’

Mary MercerHistorian

Eastern Montana Pioneers

Page 5: Sidney Centennial

Rocky L. Torgerson,C.P.A.

Kenneth L. Volk, C.P.A.Tara L. Hill, C.P.A.

Erin Anderson, C.P.A.Alisha Bender, C.P.A.

Beth Nelson

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HappybirthdaySidney on100 years!

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Congratulations Sidney on 100 yearsProud to be a part of the past and future!

Sidney’s CentennialSIDNEY HERALD SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 5

Page 6: Sidney Centennial

Sidney’s Centennial6 SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 SIDNEY HERALD

Happy Birthday Sidney

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Accounting for Individuals, Farms and Businesses

Specializing in Income Tax Returns

BY BILL VANDER WEELESIDNEY HERALD

There have been few father figures inthe community during Sidney’s historylike Ray Whiting through his work withthe local DeMolay Chapter.

Whiting, who passed away in 1998,served as the local DeMolay Dad (advi-sor) for many, many years.

“He had a great sense of humor withthe boys,” Lance Averett, the current lo-cal Demolay Dad, said.

Despite changes in society, Whitinghad the ability to keep a solid relation-ship with the DeMolay members.

“He adapted to the style of the times.

In the early years, boys always dressedup for meetings in the 1950s and 1960s insuits and ties,” Averett said. “Ray wasable to adjust to that change and otherswhile keeping the purpose of the club in-tact.”

Whiting was selected the OutstandingDeMolay Dad for a number of years. Hewas the person who started the annualpancake supper to support the program.

At the time of his funeral, many cur-rent and former DeMolay boys attendedas honorary casketbearers. “They did itout of respect for him,” Averett said.

Former Richland County Extensionagent Fred Barkley remembers Whit-ing’s kindness well. “He was absolutelythe best. He had a heart as big of all out-doors,” Barkley said. “He was one of akind, really a great man.”

Whiting provided father figure type for many boys

HERALD FILE

Then Kiwanis Club president Ray Whiting, right, presents a $500 check to Community Memorial Hospital administrator C. GreggMcKown in 1971.

‘He took kids under his wing.’

Hubert JohnsonSidney resident

SEE WHITING | PAGE 10

Page 7: Sidney Centennial

Downtown,Sidney

Congratulations Sidney on turning 100!

to our community for making SidneyJCPenney a success for 84 Years.

We look forward to celebrating our 100th Birthday with all of you.

Welcome to the South 40

We built the South 40 restaurant in March 1977 along with a ladies’ clothing store (Homestead) and a book store (Book Loft). The new building adjoined our already existing Montgomery Wards catalog store. A pictorial display of the homesteads of R.P. & Myrtle Blair, Niels & Lydia Nor-gaard, and Carl & Marie Hansen, our grandparents, grace the walls throughout the building. Our families settled in the area more than a century ago. Additional area photos were added through-

Vaux Dam broke in 1951, and the original Livery Barn that once stood where the South 40 is now located.

The South 40 has proudly served Montana and North Dakota Governors, U.S. Senators, Miss Montanas and Miss Americas, and many famous entertainers. We are known for our exceptional beef and extraordinary soup and salad bar. In 1993, we were named Montana’s #1 beef restaurant by the Montana Beef Backers. We’ve been featured in the Billings Gazette, Tavern Times, Mon-tana Restaurant Reporter, Western Business Reporter, and Book Banter. In 2006, we were featured with our son, Ray, in the Yields Summer 2006 issue titled “Working from Ranch Gate to Dinner Plate.” Ray runs the family ranch operation in Richland and Wibaux Counties. For many years, the restaurant was appreciated for their beautiful champagne brunches and style shows which were held several times a year. The shows featured fashions from the adjoining Homestead. The Lounge and Casino were added in 1984 after the Wards store was closed and the new spacious casino replaced the Homestead location in 2010. The Lounge hosts karaoke 3 nights

offers a private and comfortable setting for private banquets or meetings for up to 30 people.The Winner’s Pub Sports Bar and Casino, now located at 804 South Central, was added in 1997

and offers NFL Sunday Ticket and all satellite sports feeds on 21 TV’s in a fun setting. Stadium type food is available from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. for its adult customers or takeout. Buzztime and foos-ball competitions are held regularly and Montana Lottery is available. Our daughter and son-in-law, Heather and Ray Johnson with their 3 children, returned to Sidney from Jamestown, ND, in 2009 to learn and take over the businesses so we can ultimately retire. It has been our pleasure to serve the Mon-Dak area these many years. We appreciate the contin-ued support of our wonderful community and look forward to many more years.Arnie & Lola Hansen

We celebrate the Town & Country Festival and are proud to support

local events.

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Congratulations on 100 years Sidney!

Investing in the future!

Sidney’s CentennialSIDNEY HERALD SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 7

Page 8: Sidney Centennial

Sidney’s Centennial8 SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 SIDNEY HERALD

BY ASHLEE ANVIKSIDNEY HERALD

“Character is what emerges from allthe little things you were too busy to doyesterday but did anyway,” is a quotefrom author Mignon McLaughlin. In1926, Ingvard Svarre arrived in Sidney astranger to the newly incorporatedtown. Migrating from Denmark, Svarrelived a life in the community of “doing”until the end of his days, and will al-ways be remembered for his generouscharacter.

Svarre gained respect in his earlyyears as a hard-working farmer. Hehelped out on a farm north of Sidneyand later rented, then bought land fromAxel Nelson near Crane.

Ingvard married Clara Andersen onApril 29, 1930, in Sidney where theymade their home.

“Clara was one-of-a-kind, no no-non-sense woman,” said Dean Thogersen,nephew. Ingvard noticed an opportunityin the community to create a market-place for the livestock industry in Sidney.

“Svarre was always more interested

in livestock,” Thogersen said.From scratch, Svarre and his partner

Chris Hanson formed the YellowstoneLivestock Commission and built the Sid-ney Livestock Market Center in 1942.This became the second largest live-stock center in Montana for a number ofyears.

When the operation was on its feetand successful, Svarre chased anotherventure. In the 1970s he built the tender-loin feed lot. “Svarre was always veryaggressive as far as business was con-cerned,” said Bob Goss, former presi-dent of Stockman Bank and friend ofSvarre. Svarre served as the chairmanof the Richland National Bank, whichoperates today under the name Stock-man Bank. He was interested in thewell-being of the community. He andClara started the Svarre Foundation in1959.

The foundation originated to be a fi-nancial resource for the community;serving the needs of children in theform of scholarships, funds to supportthe boys and girls club, the local BoyScouts, and most notably, the SvarreMunicipal Pool. The foundation was al-so important in providing funds forsuch organization as Richland Opportu-nities Inc.

“He never really quit anything,”Thogersen said.

“Even after he retired, he was alwaysdoing something.” The Svarre name hasleft behind a lasting legacy in the com-munity.

“We know that as trustees of theSvarre Foundation we’re expected to dothings that are good for the communityand especially kids,” Goss said.

Svarre family leaves legacy for future generations of growth

‘We know that as trustees of theSvarre Foundation we’re expectedto do things that are good for thecommunity and especially kids.’

Bob GossFormer president of Stockman Bank

SUBMITTED

Clara and Ingvard Svarre devoted their time developing the agriculture industry in Sidneyand implemented the Svarre Foundation that continues to benefit the community today.

BY ASHLEE ANVIKSIDNEY HERALD

Mary Mercer, Sidney, always had a nat-ural curiosity about history especiallythe history of her homeland, RichlandCounty, Montana. Mercer was born in1907 in a small community north of Sid-ney called Enid. At age 7, she and herfamily relocated to Ridgelawn. Mercerattended and graduated from SidneyHigh School. Mercer was always interest-ed in history. She was introduced to ahistorian in Sidney named GenevaCombes who inspired her to do greatthings with her passion. “Anything thatwould ever happen in Sidney, Geneva

would have it written down by hand inlittle tiny writing,” said Mercer. “It wasabsolutely incredible what she wouldwrite down.”Witnessing first-handCombes’ passion and accomplishmentswith preserving history, Mercer thoughtit was only necessary to expand on the ef-forts on a much larger scale.She startedsmall by creating a book about the 50thanniversary of Sidney called the JubileeBook. Then, one afternoon while visitinga good friend, she came across a bookcalled Sheridan’s Daybreak, a compila-tion of 100 years of history of the town of

Local historian, Mercer, to thank for work preserving Sidney’s past

SUBMITTED

Historian Mary Mercer works on the first edition of “Courage Enough.”SEE MERCER | PAGE 39

Page 9: Sidney Centennial

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Sidney’s CentennialSIDNEY HERALD SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 9

Page 10: Sidney Centennial

Sidney’s Centennial10 SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 SIDNEY HERALD

Sidney resident Alton Hilleslandadded, “I think if they asked him for adonation, he would just say howmuch.”

John Olson, who was a casketbearerat Whiting’s funeral, remarked, “Hewas really great with the kids in DeMo-lay.”

Hubert Johnson, another casketbear-er, said, “He took kids under his wing.”

Along with DeMolay, Whiting was al-so extremely active in another commu-nity organization – the Sidney KiwanisClub. He served as the club’s secretaryfrom the early 1960s until about 1990.

Whiting stabilized the club’s mostimportant office. “Before he took over,it looks like they had a different secre-tary every year,” current Kiwanis sec-retary Bob Frank said.

Whiting took one year off from thesecretary’s position, 1970, to be the Sid-ney’s club president.

“He was Mr. Kiwanis,” Frank said.“Everybody called him that.”

Whiting was honored by being thefirst designee of the Tablet of Honor ofthe International Kiwanis Foundation.The scholarships the Sidney KiwanisClub present each year are named after

Whiting.Olson remarked, “He was a very dedi-

cated Kiwanian. He had certain stan-dards and principles he lived by, and

you have to admire him for that. Hewas a good guy.”

Outside of DeMolay and Kiwanis,Whiting was active at the Sidney Coun-try Club and Lonsdale MethodistChurch especially the church choir. Heeven drove students to games beforethe school had buses for extra-curricu-lar travel.

“He was involved in a lot of things inthe community,” Frank said. “If some-thing happened, he was probablythere.”

[email protected]

Ray Whiting, right, serving as secretary at a Kiwanis meeting. Center is then Kiwanis president Gary Schoepp.

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Whiting: Man led in Kiwanis, DeMolayFROM PAGE 6

‘He was Mr. Kiwanis. Everybodycalled him that.’

Bob FrankCurrent Sidney Kiwanis Club secretary

‘He had a great sense of humorwith the boys.’

Lance AverettDeMolay advisor

Page 11: Sidney Centennial

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Commitment, integrity....Build a successful business, family, lifeJohnson Hardware & Furniture, since 1915

Carl and Prudy Johnson married in 1925 and began their life together in Sidney when Carl joined his brothers, Gil and George, as a partner in their hardware business.

Hubert joined the store in 1956 and younger brother Paul returned to Sidney in 1959 to carry on the family business. �e two operated the family business together until Hubert’s retirement in 1996. �e two brothers had a successful partnership for 37 years.

Phil returned to Sidney in 1996 to join the family business as co-owner and co-manager; In 1992 Chip and Kris (Johnson) Gi�ord moved to Sidney from Phoenix, Ariz., to work with Kris’ family at Johnson Hardware & Furniture. Phil and Joy, Chip and Kris join Paul and Barb as co-owners of the 96-year-old family business.

We look forward to celebrating our 100th anniversary in 2015!

Back, Barb and Paul Johnson; front from le�, Phil Johnson, Hubert Johnson, Nicole Johnson and Kris Gi�ord.

From le�, Phil and Joy Johnson and Kris and Chip Gi�ord.

Hubert and Paul Johnson

Carl and Prudy Johnson

Back from le�, Jim Propp, Rick Sharbono, Drue Rob-erts, Will McCament and Morgan Gullickson. Front, Tyler Christensen, Tami Christensen, Larry Chris-tensen, Wade Roberts and Lee Pourroy. Not pictured Caleb Servais, Kendra Iversen and Garth Sorenson.

Welcome to Sidney’s Celebration

Sidney’s CentennialSIDNEY HERALD SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 11

Page 12: Sidney Centennial

Sidney’s Centennial12 SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 SIDNEY HERALD

BY BILL VANDER WEELESIDNEY HERALD

In the late 1950s, no one could beatSidney’s boys basketball and trackteams. One of the main reasons was thesquad’s coach, Toby Kangas.

During 1957-59, the Eagles earnedchampionships in both of basketballand track in each of those years.

“When you talk about great basket-ball coaches in Montana, he’s probablythe first name off most lips,” JimWood, former principal at Sidney HighSchool, told the Herald in a previous in-terview.

Kangas began coaching in Bainvilleand then moved to Sidney in time forthe 1946 season. He coached football,basketball, track and American Legionbaseball. After coaching the Eagles to asecond-place finish at the 1954 statetournament, he won three titles beforethe end of the decade. Sidney’s stringof four straight basketball titles ranksfirst in the history of the MontanaHigh School Association.

Kangas is tied for first place in statehistory with six state basketball cham-pionships. He guided Billings Westteams to titles in 1963, 1974 and 1975.

But it wasn’t only Kangas’ winninghistory that made him so special to Sid-ney’s sports fans, but also his conducton and off the playing field.

“He sat quietly on the bench. Hecoached kids, advised them…never be-rating a kid in public. He was a gentle-man on the bench,” Wood said. He not-ed he didn’t know anybody who didn’t

like and respect Kangas.When Sidney alumni established a

memorial fund in Kangas’ name in2004, alumnus Gerald Schmitz wrote,“To briefly reiterate some of CoachKangas’ strong character traits: Heplayed the athlete who had the best ath-letic talent, the strongest desire andthe most positive attitude. It did notmatter the occupation of the parents;these were sons of mechanics whoworked for Holly Sugar, sons of sugarbeet and wheat farmers, sons of truckdrivers, and sons of county clerks.Coach Kangas played the best talentedathletes in the school. Championshipsare won by hard work, not luck!”

Kangas was also known for encourag-ing athletes to participate in all sports,

and not stressing the importance ofone sport over another.

Craig Price, who played multi-sportsunder Kangas, said when the sun was

shining in the summer it was baseballseason. “If it started to rain outside,Toby Kangas would open up the gymfor us and we’d practice basketball,”Price told the Herald in 2008.

Price played for the Eagles on theirchampionship squads under Kangas.Price remembers seeing Kangas on thebench years later when a divisionalbasketball tournament was held in Sid-ney and Kangas was an assistant forBillings Central. Kangas took noticewhen Price walked by.

“I heard him say, ‘Now there goes oneof my players,’ ” Price said. “He neverforgot us.”

[email protected]

Toby Kangas: The creator of Sidney’s basketball dynasty

The 1958 state championship team, front from left, Craig Price, Dale Winter, John Marman, Dick Helten and Ron Quilling; middle, managerLanny Vader, Gene Kautzman, Richard Rein, Bob Jensen, Al Mann and Ron Munoz; back, Gary McMorris, Kermit Petersen, Dennis Williams,Jim Joslin, Keith Groshart and Coach Toby Kangas.

Toby Kangas guided the Eagles to statebasketball and track championships in thelate 1950s.

‘When you talk about greatbasketball coaches in Montana,he’s probably the first name off

most lips.’

Jim WoodFormer Sidney High School principal

Page 13: Sidney Centennial

Sidney’s CentennialSIDNEY HERALD SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 13

Page 14: Sidney Centennial

Sidney’s Centennial14 SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 SIDNEY HERALD

BY BILL VANDER WEELESIDNEY HERALD

There were few instances where long-time elementary teacher, coach andScoutmaster John Ratliff wasn’t help-ing out children.

Whether he was teaching fifth andsixth graders at Central ElementarySchool, football to middle school stu-dents or helping Scouts earn EagleScout honors, Ratliff was committed toSidney’s youth.

And that even included vacation tripsin the summer.

“Literally, hundreds of boys wentwith dad on a Boy Scout trip some-where,” son Dohn Ratliff, Hardin, said.

Those journeys included attendingthe world’s fair in Spokane, Wash., in1974, the Boy Scouts Jamboree in Idadoduring 1977, or deep sea fishing inWashington.

“For my family, it wasn’t so muchwhere we were going on vacation butwhere the Boy Scouts were going,”Dohn said.

In all, John Ratliff was a Scoutmasterfor 30 years including 28 years in Sidney.His guidance led to 14 Eagle Scouts, in-cluding his sons Dohn and Rohn.

Garth Kallevig, Friends of Scouting fi-nance chairman, said, “He had a lot ofenergy and time for those Scouts.”

Kallevig referred to John as the “FredMacMurray” for Sidney’s Boy Scouts.Ironically, a 1984 Sidney Herald articleabout Ratliff reported Ratliff first gotinterested in Scouting when he watchedthe movie, “Follow Me, Boys,” starringMacMurray. The film was based on howScouting began in the United States.

Rohn Ratliff explains his father sawthe movie, and the next week went to of-fer his service as Scoutmaster.

“They handed him a Scoutmasterbook, gave him a troop and said ‘havefun,’ ” Rohn said. “He picked it up fromnot knowing a single thing by just livingit.”

Rohn said his father especially lovedtaking the Scouts on outdoor adven-tures including fishing. “When he wasable to do more, he did a lot.”

While Kallevig contacted businessesto donate to the Montana Council ofBoys Scouts, Ratliff visited with par-ents about making donations. “Hehelped with the family side of it. Youdon’t have Scouting without the council.”

Dohn remembers the excitement hisfather had when A.J. Olson and VictorVerhasselt achieved the honor becausethey were John’s first two Eagle Scoutsafter being the Scoutmaster for 15-16

years.“That was really a big deal for my

dad,” Dohn said. “They were quite a fewafter those two.”

John was also well-known for takingthe Scouts on camping trips at nearbylocations such as the Nohly Bridge byFairview.

“There were a lot of fun memoriesthere,” Dohn said. “It was always an in-credible thing to see my dad work withthe kids.”

John Ratliff, who passed away in 2003,displayed a strong dedication to Scout-ing and the youth of the area. He wasone of the original committee membersto build the K-M Scout Ranch in Lewis-town.

“He just believed Scouting madeyoung men better people,” Dohn said.

Aside from being a positive influencein Scouting and in the classroom, Johncoached the fifth- and sixth-grade bas-ketball team for most of his 30-yearteaching career. He also coached foot-ball at both the middle school and fresh-man levels.

Rohn, who teaches music in Miles

City, greatly admired his father as an ed-ucator.

“He really cared about the kids andmade sure everyone had a way to suc-ceed,” Rohn said. “That was one of thebig things for me.”

When Rohn arrived in Miles City, hewas asked if he was related to John

Ratliff of Sidney by a guidance coun-selor. “She said I loved Mr. Ratliff, he’sone of the reasons I became a teacher,”Rohn said. “It’s nice to have that connec-tion.”

As an active Kiwanis Club member, heran the group’s Easter egg hunt that at-tracted hundreds of kids each year atMoose Park. He also was involved withthe annual Easter movie sponsored byKiwanis. He was also a member of theJaycees and Elks. With the SidneyChurch of Christ, he was a song leader,Vacation Bible School director, classteacher and a member of the Church ofChrist for Scouting.

“He always felt like he never didenough. He always wanted to do more,”Rohn said.

His influence was great. Dohn workedfor the Montana Boy Scouts for nineyears. He and Rohn followed their par-ents’ footsteps as teachers. John andLois (Knote) Ratliff were married for 40years.

“I’m just grateful for everything daddid for me and everybody else,” Dohnsaid.

Rohn added, “He influenced a lot ofpeople. I’m very proud I got to know himas my father.”

Ratliff led as Scout Master, teacher, coach

SUBMITTED

John Ratliff with a Scout troop.

FILE PHOTO

As a member of the Jaycees, John Ratliff presents awards to young basketball players.

‘He really cared about the kidsand made sure everyone had a

way to succeed.’

Rohn RatliffSon

Page 15: Sidney Centennial

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Sidney’s CentennialSIDNEY HERALD SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 15

Page 16: Sidney Centennial

Sidney’s Centennial16 SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 SIDNEY HERALD

BY ASHLEE ANVIKSIDNEY HERALD

One of the most influential mayors ofSidney’s history was the late HaroldMercer. As we celebrate the Centennialof Sidney, we honor those who servedand made such a remarkable differenceas leaders in the community.

Mercer’s service to the area came inmany forms. Most notably was his un-precedented term as mayor. He served asmayor from 1957 to 1965. After this term,he took a position as the public works di-rector for 19 years. He returned to themayor seat in 1985 where his return waswelcomed by receiving 65 percent of thevotes.

Mercer once said, “I suppose publicservice is in my blood.” In 2001 he re-ceived a Lifetime Service Award fromthe League of Cities and Towns.

“In my book, he was a perfect mayor;probably the best man for that job,” saidWayne Swigart, former city councilmanwho worked closely with Mercer.

“What I remember most about Haroldis he was a great leader, a great speaker,”Cal Oraw, longtime and current citycouncilman, said. “He was very conser-vative and yet very progressive. He was

always looking at what Sidney’s needswill be 20 years down the road. Yet, hewas very concerned that the city’s re-serves were always there.”

“He always put little pockets of moneyaway for a rainy day,” Swigart said.“When we needed them, we didn’t haveto go to the taxpayers; that was one goodthing about Harold.”

Mercer was genuinely concernedabout the citizens of Sidney. When therewas talk of increasing rates for local tax-payers, Mercer was there to voice hisconcerns.

“I think he was most known for alwayslooking after the seniors,” Swigart said.“We had the lowest water rate and thelowest sewage rate in the area, and hewas always proud of that; that senior cit-izens on fixed incomes didn’t have a bigwater bill to pay.”

Under his reigns, the City Hall wasconstructed, the water treatment plantcreated and the new swimming pool wasput in place.

Mercer held many honorable positionsin the community, but something morenotable that comes without a formal titleis his effort to share his knowledge andencourage the growth of his peers. “Hewas someone who could always teachyou something,” Swigart said.

“Harold had a big influence on me.There wasn’t a day that I didn’t thinkwhat would Harold do,” Mayor BretSmelser said. Mercer was an active mem-ber of Kiwanis and was an advisor tomembers of the Key Club.

Mercer was an honorable leader. Hewill be remembered as Sidney’s longestserving mayor of 24 years and his self-less efforts to build a community ofgreat leaders.

[email protected]

Mercer serves for years as mayor of Sidney

FILE PHOTO

Harold Mercer enjoyed retirement life with Anna Allen during a celebration at the Lodge in Sidney.

FILE PHOTO

Harold Mercer, right, exchanging gifts with a foreign exchange student in 1986.

‘He was very conservative andyet very progressive.’

Cal OrawSidney City Council

Page 17: Sidney Centennial

1917 St. Philomena'sChurch was built

1949 St. Philomena’sParochial School wasopened

1950 A convent was built forthe Sisters of Humility

In 1954 Father Curtin waselevated to a DomesticPrelate, with the title of Rt.Rev. Monsignor

1961 St. Matthew’s Churchwas built - the new schoolfollowed

1971 St. Matthew’s Schoolclosed

Fr. Anthony WalshFr. Michael RyanFr. Carl EricksonFr. Patrick J. O’ReillyFr. Dennis DalyFr. John HaligoskiFr. Michael GuinanFr. Patrick DonovanFr. Michael

O’Donohue

Fr. JosephMcDermott

Fr. Richard WalshFr. Joseph KaminskiFr. Ned ShinnickFr. Michael O’HanlonFr. Richard CoderFr. Robert BoftoFr. Jim Birkmeier

Fr. Patrick SampsonFr. Frances

SchreiberFr. Cyril PaulwelynFr. WerhleFr. J.H. ManhussierFr. John LeahyFr. Cornelius J.

Curtin

Fr. Thomas F.Powers

Fr. Charles A. DeverFr. M. J. Beemster Fr. Tony ShusterFr. Richard MunsellFr. Greg StaudingerFr. Jim O’Neil

St. Matthew’s Catholic Church219 7th St. SE, Sidney - 433.1068

St. Philomena’s 1917-1961 St. Matthew’s 1961-current

Priests who have served this parish

TThhee RRiicchhllaannddCCoouunnttyy CCoommmmiissssiioonneerrss

Don Steppler, Loren Young and Shane Gorder

CCoonnggrraattuullaattiioonnss

ccoommiinngg iinn 22001144 tthhee110000tthh aannnniivveerrssaarryyooff RRiicchhllaanndd CCoouunnttyy

ttoo SSiiddnneeyy

aannnniivveerrssaarryyoonn yyoouurr 110000tthh

203 2nd St. NW, Sidney406-480-3737

We’re

proud of our

hometown.

Congratulations

on turning 100!

Sidney’s CentennialSIDNEY HERALD SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 17

Page 18: Sidney Centennial

Sidney’s Centennial18 SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 SIDNEY HERALD

In 1945, Sidney’s school officials madeprobably the most recruiting trip in thecommunity’s history.

Superintendent of Schools RaymondGerber was in need for someone to teachbiology, chemistry and physics. He heardabout a teacher up in Medicine Lake thatwould be capable and took a drive up toMedicine Lake and recruited Knut Hov-ersten.

The rest is Sidney’s education history.Hoversten taught for 40 years and wasstill involved in the community duringthe early 2000s.

He told the Herald in 2005, as he waspreparing for his 100th birthday, that hefelt the greatest advances during his lifecame in the physics and medicine fields.

“It started out pulling slivers out ofyour hand with tweezers and turned intoworking with DNA,” Hoversten said.

When Knut first came to Sidney, helived in an apartment in the basementright in Central School. He taught in Sid-ney from 1945 to 1974 and didsubstituteteaching for many years after that. Whenan aeronautics class was needed at thehigh school, Knut stepped forward andstarted an aeronautics class.

“Knut was thought of as the communi-ty’s scientist,” Leif Anderson, Knut’sgrandson, said. “During the Cold War, heattended an educational seminar in Cali-fornia on the hazards of radiation andlearned how to use a Geiger counter. Itwould be his responsibility to monitorradiation levels in the community if theneed should arise.”

He also attended the Civil Air Patrol

and sat in the observation tower on theroof of the Lalonde Hotel and document-ed coming and going flights to be surethere were no unauthorized planes inthe area.

Hoversten regularly took his scienceclasses on tours of Holly Sugar. He alsotested water for the city in a lab in hisbasement.

In addition, he used to set up the PAsystem at all of the local sporting events,installing paging horns on the top cor-

ners of the stadiums. After breaking hiswrist, he finally recruited a student to as-sist. Knut traveled with a group of farm-ers to Washington, D.C., to promote anew energy at the time, ethanol.

One memory he shared was building arocket with a studentin the 1950s and set-ting the rocket offfrom the baseballfield. “It went prettyhigh,” he said. Thatstudent was KendallHabedank, who is nowa retired major gener-al from the Air Force.

The oldest of 14 chil-dren, Hoversten at-tended Lutheran Seminary at AugsburgCollege in Minneapolis. He then went tothe University of Minnesota, where hemajored in chemistry, physics and aero-nautics. Years later, he finished his mas-ter’s degree at Montana State University.

Hoversten could speak several lan-guages, including Norwegian, German,Greek, Latin, French and English.

Outside of the classroom, one of hisloves was music. He sang in a men’sgroup with Carl Johnson, Walt Quilling,Ray Whiting, Howard Eicholz and ScottyMcDonald. They would entertain often atcommunity events.

Hoversten directed the acclaimedMethodist Church Choir from 1946 to1970. He was president and treasurer ofthe Community Concert Association.

Knut and Milt Anderson attended theannual Christmas party at the boy’s re-form school in Miles City. Knut wouldperform humorous readings and Miltwould play the piano. After retiring,Knut was well-known as the guy aroundtown who would tune pianos and workon organs.

Hoversten was very involved in Kiwa-nis and the Sons of Norway and heldmost of the offices of both organizations.

He received thehighest award givenin Kiwanis and wasmade a lifetimehonorary membermaking him a mem-ber for nearly 65years.

Through Kiwanis,Knut found a groupwhere he could alsohelp children. “Ki-

wanis is so community oriented. All ofthe projects are to raise funds to help lessfortunate children,” Hoversten told theHerald in 2003. “All the money raisedgoes to buy clothes, glasses and things ofthat nature for children.”

He served many other roles in thecommunity including on the City Coun-cil and was very involved in PellaLutheran Church. His non-teaching ac-tivities included being a member of theSidney Kiwanis Club for 58 years, amember of Pella Lutheran Church for 59years, and director of the MethodistChurch choir for 30 years.

Knut passed away in 2006 at the age of101. In his obituary, it read, “he alwayssaid’ ‘best music to his ears was chil-dren’s laughter.’ ”

Knut Hoversten with his wife, Hazel.

Knut Hoversten, middle, at a Sons of Norway event with Walt and Amy Quilling.

Hoversten brought much to Sidney’s schools, community

Knut Hoversten taught for 40 years andlived to 101 years old.

‘Knut was thought of as thecommunity’s scientist.’

Leif AndersonGrandson

Page 19: Sidney Centennial

122 S. Central Ave., Sidney ~ 433-LUCK (5825)

Wishing Sidneya great 100th

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Sidney’s CentennialSIDNEY HERALD SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 19

Page 20: Sidney Centennial

Sidney’s Centennial20 SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 SIDNEY HERALD

BY ASHLEE ANVIKSIDNEY HERALD

Axel Nelson came to Sidney in 1909 byway of a four-horse stagecoach and be-came one of the most successful andwell-respected bankers in Montana.

Nelson and his wife, Bridget, com-monly known as “Bid,” crossed the Mid-west from Minnesota to Sidney, a town of200 citizens at the time. Civilization con-sisted of the Valley and Sidney hotels,livery barns, a couple saloons, Yellow-

stone Mercantile Company and two gen-eral stores.

Nelson was well-known in the develop-ment of Sidney from the time of his ar-rival in 1909 until he passed away in1957. He started his carrier as a cashierat Bank of the Valley, known today asStockman Bank. He had a very influen-tial tenure at this organization and wasresponsible for the organization of Rich-land National Bank in 1925. Nelson wasa man of modesty, never seeking praise.

“He (Axel) was one of the most honestguys in the world,” Kay Williams, grand-daughter of Axel and Bridget, said.

He served as mayor of Sidney from1933 to 1941 as president of the MontanaBankers Association in 1938 and on theMontana State Highway Commission in1932. He also served as secretary-treasur-er of the Richland County Fair from 1938to 1941 and as director of the Canada-to-Mexico Highway Association and of theSavings Bond Division of the U.S. Trea-sury from 1941 until his death.

Bridget Nelson was also active in hercommunity and served as a chartermember of the American Legion Auxil-iary, formed in 1920.

”I just think of him so often; he wasthe most wonderful man. I think every-

one in Sidney looked up to him,”Williams said.

Bridget (Bid) Nelson was very active inchurch activities. She was also a mem-ber of the American Legion Auxiliarywhich was formed in Sidney in 1920.

“Grandma was very religous and veryloving, Williams said. “She instilled inall of us our faith; she was the core oftheir religion. “Bid was famous for herapple cake. She would bring it to each

county division meeting that Axel at-tended. The cake became a wide spreadphenomenon that everyone talked about.It was nicknamed the county divisioncake.

The economy of Sidney has beenshaped with the influence of Axel Nel-son and his savvy business knowledge.He is remembered for his selfless deter-mination to build a community based ontrust and honesty.

Laying Honest Foundation

SUBMITTEDAxel and Bridget “Bid” Nelson were an influential family in the early economy of Sidney. Here they sit on the front porch of their home inSidney with 13 of their grandchildren.

SUBMITTED

Axel Nelson was key business man in Sid-ney in the early 1900s. He served as may-or, president of the Montana Bankers Asso-ciation and was responsible for the organi-zation of Richland National Bank in 1925.

Nelson family remembered for loyalty, involvement in early economic development

‘I just think of him so often; hewas the most wonderful man. Ithink everyone in Sidney looked

up to him.’

Kay WilliamsGranddaugther

“County Division Cake”

1 ? cups white sugar? Cup Butter1 ? tsp soda? tsp. Baking powder? tsp. salt2 large eggs or 3 small – not beaten1 ? cups thick apple sauce2 cups “Swans down” flour1 tsp. cinnamon? tsp. cloves, a pinch of nutmeg1 cup seedless raisins? cup dates? cup walnuts

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and beat oneat a time. Beat well. Add apple sauce . Addflour, soda and baking powder mixed with spices.Fold in raisins, dates and nuts.

Bake at 350 for about 60 min.

Frosting 1 cup brown sugar packed4 tbs. heavy cream4 tbs. butterLet this come to a full boil and cook for one minute.Beat with wire whip until thick and frost cake. (Be

patient beating this until thick) It should becreamy and will thicken a little when you frost thecake too.

“COUNTY DIVISION CAKE”

Page 21: Sidney Centennial

123 North Central Avenue, Sidney, MT

Gil Gasper Relationship Manager

Penny Brown Financial Specialist

Kim Stebbins-Martini Operations Manager

Maurice Sandmeyer, Manager of the Sidney Branch of the Federal Land Bank Association withBoard of Directors. Sidney is part of the 95-year old Farm Credit System, that is a customer-owned, financial services cooperative, providing services to farmers and ranchers.

Advancing Rural America’s Success

Blue Rock Products Company, also known as Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company, was established in 1913 in Fairview, Montana (near the “Blue Rock Springs”). During the early years, Blue Rock was primarily a beer distributorship with so� drink sales accounting for a much smaller portion of the total business.

As years passed, so� drinks began to play a larger role in the business. In 1959, Blue Rock moved to a new bottling plant in Sidney.

In 1978, Blue Rock Products Company moved its entire central production center and general o�ces to its current location in Sidney. �e

facility comprises a production center for foun-tain so� drinks, a distribution warehouse and o�ce headquarters.

Today, the Blue Rock Companies are the larg-est wholesale so� drink, beer and wine distrib-uting organizations in Eastern Montana and Western North Dakota. Along with their father, John L. Olson, Karen M. Olson Beenken and J. Randall Olson own and operate their family businesses providing career opportunities for their employees in the following locations – Sidney, Plentywood, Glasgow, Miles City, MT and Williston, ND.

�e Blue Rock Employees salute the Olson Family for their milestone in being a part of Sidney’s history.

�ank you for all you do for the community and your employees!

SIDNEYOffering a full range of accounting, income tax, computer consulting, payroll, estate planning, retirement planning

and administration and auditing services.

BRENNER, AVERETT & CO., P.C.

Sidney’s CentennialSIDNEY HERALD SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 21

Page 22: Sidney Centennial

Sidney’s Centennial22 SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 SIDNEY HERALD

Happy 100thBirthday Sidney!

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Enjoy the Town & Country Festivaland the Sidney Centennial!

BY HARRY LIPSIEASIDNEY HERALD

A love of community and children.That’s what the daughters of Alice Millerremember most about her. No matter ifserving for the WAC (Women’s ArmyCorps) to answer the call for her countryduring World War II or as president of theSt. Matthew’s Altar Society, she continuedto stay active throughout her 88-year life.

“She had such a sense of volunteerism,”Miller’s youngest daughter, Jacklyn Red-ding, said. “That’s what she always in-stilled into us growing up.”

Miller, a native of Wing, N.D., beganteaching in North Dakota and Montanauntil joining WAC at 25 where she servedfor two years. Along with her husband,John, the two lived in Washington for 13 years until a love of teaching brought her

back to the MonDak region in 1959 as sheaccepted a job in Lambert.

“The thought of returning to the coun-tryside to teach was so exciting to her,” Al-ice’s first-born daughter, Janet Miller, said.“She loved to be around children, andthat’s why we moved to the area.”

After teaching in Lambert for a year, Al-ice and her family moved to Sidney. This iswhere she found a home by becoming ac-tive in the community. At this time, Millerdrove ambulance, served as a Girl Scoutleader and was in St. Matthew’s Altar Soci-ety, Women of the Moose and Veterans ofForeign Wars.

She taught at St. Matthew’s CatholicSchool for several years before working forrural schools such as Rau, Three Buttesand Brorson. Her career in education was-n’t only as a teacher as she graduated in

1970 from Western Montana Universitywith the intent of becoming an adminis-trator. From 1972-1979, she was the Rich-land County superintendent of schools.

While Miller enjoyed her profession, therole of mother was the one she most cher-ished.

“She made me the woman I am today,”Janet Miller said. “We were expected to as-sume responsibility and be contributingmembers of our community. She had ahuge impact on my life.”

Alice lived in Sidney until 2003 when shemoved to the Eastern Montana VeteransHome in Glendive. She enjoyed beingapart of the Richland County communityfor more than 40 years.

“She just loved the people so much,” Red-ding said. “I know she was just so proud ofbeing a part of the community.”

Longtime teacher loved the Sidney community, children

SUBMITTED

Alice Miller was a valuable educator in Sid-ney’s history.

Our history

1920In 1920 the Sidney Herald reported that

Montana had “the best all round publicschool system in the United States,” ac-cording to the Russel Sage Foundation.The school year began on Sept. 13. The to-tal enrollment was 422 students and thehigh school numbered 120. There were 11high school teachers and 13 grade schoolteachers. “This is the largest enrollmentof both instructors, and pupils that hasever been enjoyed in the Sidney Schools.The college preparatory classes were ex-panding and a motion picture machinehad been purchased for “visual educa-tion,” and 175 feet of film was also pur-chased with plans to show geographical,historical and agricultural films.

The agricultural department of the Sid-ney High School were studying the “busi-ness of dairying” and thus offered to testthe milk samples of farmers free ofcharge.

1920 brought promises of a new bowlingalley, pool room and lunch counter. Athree-bedroom house could be rented for$13 a month. Wm. M. Combes traveled toMinneapolis to purchase a Curtis air-plane which he planned to receive pilot-ing instructions for. A local company in-tended to used the plane and pilot to pro-vide round-trip travel in the area.

The Sidney Public Library reportedthat from its inception to May 1, 1920, $250in librarian salaries had been paid and atotal of $859.30 spent; 121 books were pur-chased, 151 were donated; 16 monthlymagazines were received and two dailynewspapers.

1924On Feb. 15, 1924, The Herald reported

“First National Bank voluntarily closesits doors by order of the board of direc-tors.” The available reserve was practi-cally exhausted through excessive and

unusual demands made by depositors.With the reorganization of the First Na-tional, it is expected that those depositorswho have their money temporarily tiedup will receive dollar for dollar on every

deposit made.A new plan for reopening the closed

bank was included in the March 14 edi-tion of the Herald with Axel Nelson asmanager of the bank.

Elks LodgeSince 1949

Sidney433-2406

Part of the past and the future of Sidney!

Page 23: Sidney Centennial

Sidney’s CentennialSIDNEY HERALD SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 23

BY LOUISA BARBERSIDNEY HERALD

His distinctly Irish brogue isas lively as his personality evenafter all these years spent in asmall city like Sidney.

“I love it now more than everbefore,” Father Ned Shinnicksaid with his usual smile andcheerful laugh. “I’m doing nowwhat I was ordained to do, to bewith people.”

The Irish-born retired priestspent more than 20 years in Sid-ney – ministering the locals. Af-ter arriving in the fall of 1956,Shinnick enjoyed the next fiveyears he spent as an associatepastor. “I enjoyed the peoplethat was the main thing. Theywere very friendly,” he said.

The next 15 years, he minis-tered in various cities in east-ern Montana: Miles City, Moore,Medicine Lake, Culbertson andScobey. He was back, however,

by 1976 where he was priest un-til retirement in 1996.

“I still keep active, keep stay-ing involved in church and thecommunity,” he said.

Shinnick these days plays rac-quetball, attends and helps outat mass and remains involved infuneral services. “That’s atough experience,” he said witha shake of his head. “Of course,I try to make a funeral a celebra-tion. It’s supposed to be a joyfuloccasion, but it isn’t some-times.”

These days, Father Shinnickmay be most known for hisfriendly, positive visits to Sid-ney Health Center almost daily.He visits with patients, regard-less of religious background,doing what he can to cheerthem up while hoping for aquick recovery. He speaks withthe patients about what they’redoing, what happened if theywant to share, and prayer, if

they so choose.“A lot of people do, whether

they’re Catholic or not,” Shin-nick said, then adding, “I thinkthey give me more than what Igive them.”

The priest’s cheerful person-ality easily comes across, andhe doesn’t lack humor duringhis visits. “I generally like tojoke around with them,” hesaid.

Shinnick is popular not onlywith patients but with SidneyHealth Center staff as well.“He’s always got a smile on hisface. All our patients love to seehim every day,” Renee Williams,RN, who works on the medicalsurgical floor, said. Without hes-itation, Williams had only goodthings to say about the priest.“It’s not just the patients,” shesaid. “The nurses love him. He’sthe most amazing man ever. Youhave no idea how much we lovehim.”

Williams herself remembersthe first time she met Shinnick20 years ago; she was a patient.“He came up in a Santa Claus

suit. I’ll never forget that,” shesaid. “He just lifts everyone’sspirit wherever he goes.”

It’s been 55 years since he en-tered the ministry. Exposed tothe possibility by an IrishChristian Brother, BrotherClancy. Shinnick knew the min-istry was what he wanted to do.“I felt he (Clancy) was a veryfair man. In other words, hetreated all of us kids fair, and Isaid I would like to be like him,”he said.

The Golden Rule he’s tried tofollow, but he also has his ownphilosophy. “I regard all peopleas God’s children, whetherthey’re Catholic or not, andthat’s been my philosophy forthe last 30 years or more.”

In 1950, at age 18, the soon-to-be priest signed up to travel toMontana, a place he’d onlyheard of in movies and onlyknew of cowboys. “I didn'tknow what it was. I didn’t evenknow where Montana was. All Iwanted to do was I wanted tocome to Montana,” he said. SoShinnick studied for six years,

was ordained in June 1956 andarrived in the fall of that year.

During his tenure as priest,Shinnick followed the belief thelocal pastors are the most im-portant part of the churches.“They are down in the trencheswith the people, and that’swhere they’re supposed to be,not just sitting behind the pul-pit,” he said.

Shinnick, who will celebratehis 80th birthday next month,says he’ll stay here for the re-mainder of his life. “I wouldn’twant to stay in any part ofAmerica. Only here,” he saidwith a laugh. And with that, heplans to make the most of whathe has left. He frequently trav-els, always meeting new people.But he has three ingredients tohaving a full life: taking care ofone’s health, exercising and tak-ing care of one's spiritual life.

“The Lord wants us to be hap-py, and if we’re not happy, thenit affects our mind and our bodyas well too, so the spiritual lifeis essential,” he said.

Father Ned always keeps the faith in Sidney

SUBMITTED

Father Ned Shinnick still helps out at mass, funeral services and makes daily calls at Sidney Health Center.

SUBMITTED

Father Ned Shinnick has been in the ministry for 55 years.

Page 24: Sidney Centennial

Since 1959.....Sidney Bible book store opened in 1959, located

upstairs in the Richland National Bank. Later moved to thebuilding next to what is now Sunny’s Family Restaurant.That building has since been torn down leaving an emptylot. Gloria Buxbaum purchased the store from Lorna Line in1978 and has owned it ever since. The Carpenter’sStorehaus moved into the Village Square Mall for severalyears, then into the present building on Central Avenue.

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Sidney’s Centennial24 SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 SIDNEY HERALD

Page 25: Sidney Centennial

Sidney’s CentennialSIDNEY HERALD SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 25

If there is one piece of the industryin this region that will not disappear,it’s agriculture. Ag has been a part ofSidney since the beginning of its time,and will continue to be a driving forcein the economy of eastern Montanaand also the world.

As residents celebrate 100 years ofSidney, they also commemorate thosewho have devoted their lives to the pro-gressive development of ag in this re-gion. While agricultural research tospawn innovation doesn’t happenovernight, one area scholar has devot-ed nearly all of his life to its cause.

Dr. Jerry Bergman, Sidney, hasplayed an integral role at the MSUEastern Agriculture Research Centerin Sidney. Bergman started his careerin agriculture at a young age by partic-ipating in FFA. “That’s the only inter-est I really had,” Bergman, superin-tendent of the MSU ag research centerin Sidney, said.

He studied agronomy and agricultureeducation at North Dakota State Uni-versity, Fargo, N.D., then earned a mas-ter’s degree from Oregon State Univer-sity, Corvallis, Ore. His intention wasto do research or teach, so he decided topursue a PhD in plant breeding and apost doctorate degree in wheat re-search.

Bergman knew he wanted to returnto the Northern Plains, so he applied atthe MSU Eastern Agriculture ResearchCenter. “It’s the first job I applied for

and it’s the only job I’ve had.”Bergman brings years of intensive

academic study and research to the

community and today enjoys his re-search to improve the industry in this

region. One of his favorite areas is saf-flower breeding research to improveyield and the process for producing it.He also spends a majority of his timestudying sugar beets to improve yieldand reduce risk of disease and insects.

Bergman was one of the lead pio-neers of the first overhead irrigationsystems in the Yellowstone Valley in1993. There are now a large number ofoverhead irrigation systems in thearea.

“They are more efficient,” Bergmansaid. “They use less water, less pollu-tion and there is less loss of nutrients.”

Bergman pushed for the newest addi-tion to the research center, the MSUEastern Ag Research Center and Rich-land County Extension building. Heand Sen. Dave Kasten, R-Brockway,Sen. Don Steinbeisser, R-Sidney, andRep. Walt McNutt, R-Sidney, all werekey proponents for the new site.

“I think it assures there will alwaysbe a research extension center here andthat it will allow us to recruit top notchscientists to Sidney,” Bergman said.

“He’s (Bergman) spent a lot of yearsand a lot of research has been guidedand directed by him,” Rep. Don Stein-beisser said. “This new building willhelp when we are ready to bring in newpeople.

As superintendent of the Eastern AgResearch Center in Sidney. Recently,Bergman and his team were recognizedfor their work experimenting withoilseed crops for their potential in thebiodiesel production industry. Theyconvert unrefined vegetable oils fromarea crops to biodiesel, then analyzedthe fuel to see if it can replace petrole-um biodiesel or blend with it.

Part of Bergman’s job at the researchcenter is also to obtain grants for re-search. “If you can’t get grants, youcan’t do as much research,” Bergmansaid. “But my goal is always to applyfor grants that will benefit agricultureof the region, not just do somethingthat may not apply to the producer.”

“Jerry’s a good researcher,” Stein-beisser said. “But what’s unique abouthim is that he gets the most mileage outof a dollar of research than anyone I’veever met.”

With a career of making a large-scaleimpact in the progression of agricul-ture on a community level, as well as astate and national level, Bergman re-mains humble about his accomplish-ments. “My opinion is, everyone work-ing together improves agriculture, it’snot just any one individual,” Bergmansaid. “It’s a cooperative effort betweenMontana and North Dakota.”

The scientist remains confident forthe development of agriculture in Sid-ney. “This region in my opinion is veryprogressive in adapting and diversify-ing,” Bergman said. As far as Bergmanis concerned, the work in this industryis important. “With the world popula-tion growing, there will always be a de-mand for agriculture,” he said. “Ag willcontinue to improve, and I think the fu-ture remains good for ag in this re-gion.”

FILE PHOTO

Jerry Bergman places a safflower oil sample in a gas chromatograph which tests for unsatu-rated fat content in the oil. The photo was taken in 1986.

FILE PHOTO

Jerry Bergman, superintendent of the MSU Eastern Ag Research Station in Sidney, speaksduring field days.

Scholar, scientist Bergman builds sustainable agriculture community

‘This region in my opinion is veryprogressive in adapting and

diversifying...everyone workingtogether improves agriculture, it’s

not just any one individual.’

Jerry BergmanSuperintendent of the MSU Ag Research Center

Page 26: Sidney Centennial

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Sidney’s Centennial26 SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 SIDNEY HERALD

Page 27: Sidney Centennial

Sidney’s CentennialSIDNEY HERALD SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 27

BY LOUISA BARBERSIDNEY HERALD

Dr. Jimmie Ashcraft is among Sid-ney’s most beloved doctors. He spent 25years here in Sidney, working a gruel-ing 24-hour, seven-days-a-week sched-ule, nursing Sidney and RichlandCounty residents back to health. But itwas rewarding work for the physician,who now resides in Billings and shareshis experiences as a rural physician inbooks.

Ashcraft and his wife, Kay, moved toSidney in 1976 and had only planned tostay a little while.

“We thought we’d stay only one year,”he said, because of some difficultieswith doctors and the hospital. “We juststayed a year, then we stayed anotheryear, then we made a new five-year planand another five-year plan. Before longit was 25 years.”

Within that time, Ashcraft saved livesand improved countless others as wellas delivered 1,620 children, taughtemergency medical classes for EMTs,

volunteered countless hours at MoosePark to improve the baseball field, andeven helped to construct an all-weathertrack at the high school. But if thatwasn’t enough, Ashcraft may be mostremembered for the work he did to helpthe community with one of his mostnotable projects: Developing an indoorwalking facility (for use during winter)which would eventually becomeHealthWorks.

The idea was spurred by a patientwho did cardiac rehabilitation by walk-ing around a local grocery store; hewanted a place to exercise during coldweather. Ashcraft’s interest grew. Hebegan investigating the idea but cameup against local opposition. In 1979, thehospital planned a major addition tothe facility. Throughout the planningprocess, Ashcraft continued to inquireabout what the basement would beused for. After much questioning ofhospital board members, by 1984, theboard said to go ahead with the project.

Plans were under way then, andAshcraft was joined by several commu-nity members including a banker, an

accountant, a carpenter,an attorney and an aero-bics instructor whohelped with the variousaspects of the facility.The center officiallyopened in the spring of1985 with a communitycarnival and a 24-hourwalk-a-thon.

“I just wanted a placefor people to walk that was safe,”Ashcraft said, who credits the manypersons behind the scenes. The healthand fitness center recorded more than50,000 visits the first year with no em-ployees supervising the facility. Fromthen on, it continued to grow, addingnew courts, machines and workout pro-grams for the community.

Although Ashcraft left Sidney in2001, he and Kay continue to give backto the area through their scholarshipfoundation, now in its 20th year. Morethan 600 scholarships have been award-ed to area graduates. “When I was ayoung man, I got a scholarship I didn’tapply for, and it allowed me to go to col-lege,” he said. “When it was time togive back, we directed our charitablegiving in this direction.”

Ashcraft’s work in Sidney was docu-mented in a 2009 book, “Reflections of aCountry Doctor.” It was so well re-ceived, the doctor wrote another soon-to-be-released book, “The Next Pre-scription: More Reflections of a Coun-try Doctor,” an add-on to the first.

Ashcraft left well-liked and well-re-spected by those who worked with himand were treated by him. Longtime em-ployee Genie Lang worked with “Dr. A”and co-workers Janice Norby and nurseKay Hatter for more than 20 years.

“He was great to work for, on both apersonal and professional level,” Langsaid. “At the end of every day, no mat-ter how busy he had been, he would al-ways say, ‘Thanks for working another

day, ladies!’ ”Sidney, he says, will always remain

special. “I was very proud of what weaccomplished and was always lookingfor ways to help improve the medicalestablishment, so people didn’t have totravel long distances for medical care,”he said.

[email protected]

Physician’s volunteer work helps keep community healthy

SUBMITTED

Dr. Jimmie Ashcraft during construction of HealthWorks.

BILL VANDER WEELE | SIDNEY HERALD

This year’s winners of Ashcraft scholarships from Sidney High School.

‘I just wanted a place for peopleto walk that was safe.’

Jimmie AshcraftPhysician

Ashcraft

Page 28: Sidney Centennial

Sidney’s Centennial28 SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 SIDNEY HERALD

Page 29: Sidney Centennial

Sidney’s CentennialSIDNEY HERALD SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 29

BY BILL VANDER WEELESIDNEY HERALD

When someone needs a hand or aheart, Sidney’s Stan Lindblom is there.That’s the way the 87-year-old man hasalways been whether he was a mission-ary, a chiropractor or retired.

It wasn’t until after he stopped prac-ticing in 1993, however, that Lindblomreally got involved in volunteer servic-es.

“My wife (Lillian) enjoyed volunteerwork until she passed away (in 2003),”Lindblom said. “It takes a wife to getyou involved in those kinds of things.”

Once he got active, Lindblom’s com-mitments kept increasing and increas-ing. So much so that RSVP (the RetiredSenior Volunteer Program) honoredhim as its first recipient of the Volun-teer of the Year award in 2010.

“I’ve just enjoyed working with peopleand helping where I can,” Lindblom said.“There’s a need someplace, and peopleare looking for help. If you can shareyour ability, that’s what I like to do.”

The volunteer work that Lindblomfinds most rewarding is through theHospice program. For 18 years, he hasbeen helping terminally ill individualsand their families deal emotionallywith the ordeal.

“Being in practice for a number ofyears, I learned how to work with peo-ple with physical needs and problems,”Lindblom explained. “You have to rec-ognize what their needs are.”

He notes some-times the illnessmay be the samefrom individualto individual,but the overallsituation is oftendifferent.

“It’s reward-ing,” Lindblomsaid of provid-ing comfort.

As well as Hos-pice, Lindbloomoffers his help ata wide variety ofactivities includ-ing volunteeringfor the SidneyChamber, VFW, E-rase Your E-wasteand planting flowers at Extended Care.He is a longtime elder at LutheranBrethren Church where he sometimesfills in for pulpit supply and makes hos-pital visits.

He believes others would enjoy volun-teering as well if they have the time tocommit.

“I would recommend when theyreach retirement age and have thetime, to do some sort of volunteer

work,” Lindblom said.“You can step in andhelp out. I’m sure theywill enjoy it.”

Born and raised in theOutlook/Plentywoodarea, Lindblom starteda chiropractic practicebut then served in themission field at an Indi-an reservation in Ari-zona.

After that, he workedat a mission clinic inBolivia during the1960s. It was there thathe met his future wife.

In 1971, Lindblomopened a practice in Sid-

ney. “At that time, there wasn’t any chi-ropractor here. It was a good opening,so I came here.”

Even when retirement came, theLindbloms didn’t think about leavingSidney.

“It’s a good community,” he said.

[email protected]

Retired man finds volunteer work in Sidney rewarding

BILL VANDER WEELE | SIDNEY HERALD

Stan Lindblom recently helps with the garden at Sidney Health Center Extended Care.

FILE PHOTO

Stan Lindblom receives the Volunteer of the Year award from RSVP officials Rita Jacobson,left, and Idelle Badt.

‘There’s a need someplace,and people are looking forhelp. If you can share your

ability, that’s what I like to do.’

Stan LindblomSidney resident

Page 30: Sidney Centennial

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Page 31: Sidney Centennial

Sidney’s CentennialSIDNEY HERALD SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 31

BY HARRY LIPSIEASIDNEY HERALD

There hasn’t been many times inMike Gear’s life when he hasn’t beenaround young adults. A teacher, coach,umpire and volunteer, the Sidney na-tive has dedicated his life to youth inthe area. Going into his 40th year in theSidney school system, he still has a pas-sion for teaching.

A 1964 graduate of Sidney HighSchool, Gear was a sports enthusiastfrom a young age playing every sportavailable at the time. His dedicationand athletic ability brought him toDickinson State University, Dickinson,N.D. This is where he was influenced togo on his current occupation.

“I had some really fine coachesthere,” Gear said. “And they kind ofsuggested that I go into teaching andcoaching. It all started there.”

In 1969, he graduated with a bache-lor’s of science degree from DickinsonState University. In the fall of that year,Gear took his first teaching and coach-ing job at Fargo Shanley High School inFargo, N.D. After one year, he was of-fered a similar job at Sidney HighSchool.

“It was an opportunity to be a headcoach in the Eastern A and that was re-ally intriguing to me,” he said.

Throughout the years, Gear served ascoach in the local basketball, baseball,football and track programs at onetime or another. No matter what sporthe was coaching, he was always a biolo-gy teacher. The two positions go handin hand, he said.

“It takes a lot of the same skills to bea good teacher as itdoes to be a goodcoach,” he said. “Iwould’ve never hadthe success I had as acoach if it wasn’twhat I learned as ateacher.”

As head coach ofthe Sidney HighSchool football team,he and the Eaglesbuilt a tradition asone of the top teamsin Montana. Gear, who resigned thisspring as head coach, finished hiscoaching career at 219-101. His reign in-cluded nine state championships andseven in a row in the late 1980s and ear-ly 1990s.

“There were some great teams inthose years with some awesome ath-letes,” Sidney’s Chris Volk, who was a

member of two Sidney High Schoolstate championship teams, said. “Butas good as the athletes were, we would-n’t have been the team we were if it

wasn’t for thecoaching.”

Some of thehonors earnedthrough theyears includebeing the Mon-tana CoachesAssociation’sCoach of theYear ninetimes, beingthe NationalFederation of

Interscholastic Coaches Association’sCoach of the Year twice for Section 8,being twice the Sidney Educator of theYear by the Sidney Education Associa-tion, and being the Educator of theYear by the Sidney Area Chamber ofCommerce and Agriculture.

In 2004, he was selected to the Nation-al High School Athletic Coaches Asso-

ciation’s Hall of Fame.In addition to his coaching and teach-

ing duties, Gear was also Sidney HighSchool’s activities director for the past10 years. Gear was selected the Class AActivities Director of the Year by theMontana Interscholastic Activities Ad-ministration Association in 2004.

“I’ve enjoyed it,” Gear said. “It takesa different skills set, but still you’reworking with people. Organization iskey.”

In this day and age, it’s a rarity tostay at the same job for 10 years nonethe less 40 years. Gear is thankful toSidney Public Schools for the opportu-nities and support he’s been giventhrough the years.

“It’s a special relationship,” he said.“There have been so many great peoplethat have came through the schoolthrough the years. From the adminis-trators, teachers, support staff, stu-dents and everybody in between, it’sbeen great to build relationships.”

Not only does Gear feel grateful forthe chance to teach and coach for 40

years, but also to do it in Sidney. It’sbeen a great place to raise a family.

“When you first get out of highschool you feel like you have to moveaway and try something new,” he said.“But later you realize how great of acommunity Sidney is. We’re reallylucky to have so many opportunitiesavailable to us where we live.”

[email protected]

Legendary football coach says coaching, teaching go hand in hand

FILE PHOTO

Mike Gear addresses the team after winning a state football championship in the early 1990s.

‘I would’ve never had the successI had as a coach if it wasn’t what

I learned as a teacher.’

Mike GearFootball coach, teacher

‘But as good as the athletes were,we wouldn’t have been the team

we were if it wasn’t for the coaching.’

Chris VolkFormer Eagle player

Page 32: Sidney Centennial

Sidney’s Centennial32 SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 SIDNEY HERALD

BY HARRY LIPSIEASIDNEY HERALD

If it weren’t for the work and vision ofso many early settlers, Sidney wouldhave never grown to be the hub of east-ern Montana that it is today. For example,if it wasn’t for the drive of Dr. John S.Beagle, health care and business in thecommunity wouldn’t be what it currentlyis.

“He was a true pioneer of medicine andbusiness in the area,” Benjamin Clark,MonDak Heritage Center executive direc-tor, said. “It would be so interesting toread a journal of his thoughts duringthat time.”

Born in EdenStation, Wis., Bea-gle graduated fromSpring Valley HighSchool in Minneso-ta in 1892. A well-studied man, Bea-gle received hismedical degreefrom the Hahne-mann MedicalSchool at Chicago in 1896. Looking to getaway from the city life, he moved to thearea in 1907.

Beagle was one of the first three doc-tors in Sidney and the community beganto grow. In 1911, he acquired the NortheyHouse situated near where the LalondeHotel was built. With only five rooms, hewent onto acquire the home of WilliamMeadors to serve as Sidney’s hospital.

“At this time in Sidney, they were justmaking due with what they had,” Clarksaid.

Beagle’s cousin Dr. F. A. Gowdy joinedhim and helped him fundraise and devel-op the concept for a much larger hospital

in Sidney. It didn’t take long for the two tofinish the project as the Alberta StreetHospital opened in 1916. The facility fea-tured three floors with additional spaceand the latest technology.

“It was truly the hard work of Dr. Bea-gle that made it all possible,” Clark said.“Going from having no doctors to hous-ing a state-of-the-art hospital in 10 yearsshows the great growth Sidney saw at thetime.”

The hospital functioned as Sidney’scentral medical facility until 1966. It wasfitting Beagle served as a medicalprovider for 42 year in the facility he de-veloped. He retired in 1958 and died in

1959.In his years, he

was estimated todeliver more than5,000 babies. He al-so faced the flupandemic.

His wife, Fan-tine, recalled theflu pandemic in“CourageEnough,” “It must

have been the wings of his guardian an-gel and our prayers, coupled with his,that made it possible for Doctor to havelived through that time.”

His skills as a doctor were never ques-tioned as he is remembered as one of thetop physicians in the nation at the time.As a friend of the Mayo Brothers, Beagleoften consulted with them about a case.

“To have someone with his knowledgeand standing in the medical world in ourcommunity was just so huge,” Clark said.

Beagle also was key in the developmentof Sidney in other ways. In 1914, heplayed an active part in the formation ofRichland County when Dawson County

was divided. He also helped organizedand served as president for Valley Hard-ware, Yellowstone Mercantile, InterstateLand and Cattle Company, Beagle Land

and Livestock Company.“He did so many things for the commu-

nity,” Clark said. “Sidney is fortunate tohave him as part of its history.”

Dr. Beagle played huge role in community’s health care, growth

‘He was a true pioneer of medicineand business in the area.’

Benjamin ClarkMonDak Heritage Center

SUBMITTED

Dr. John S. Beagle started a hospital with the latest technology in Sidney.

Our history

1919Chief of Police Hurst in-

formed the Herald that on Aug.18 the new curfew law wouldtake effect. “All children under16 years of age are forbidden tobe on the streets after 10 o’clockp.m., effective until the wintermonths when the time ischanged to 8 o’clock.” The millwhistle was used to signal thecurfew. The penalty for violatorswas a $10 to $500 fine.

The Sidney Park Committee,which had been idle during thewar, began plans for an “up-to-

date park.” At the city electionMayor Kenoyer was re-elected tooffice.

The new Sidney Public Li-brary opened in the First Na-tional Bank annex. Mrs. HarryJohnston was “engaged to takecharge of the library.” Theladies of the Alpha Literary So-ciety generously donated theirvaluable library of several hun-dred books to the library.

A new dance pavilion wascompleted in 1919 with 4,000 feetof floor space. Dances were heldevery Saturday night with the“latest popular dance music by

the six piece Princess Jazz Or-chestra.”

1926It was announced in January

of ‘26 that an “Outdoor Pool is aWorthy Project.” Apparently itwas thought that a swimmingpool would be a great benefit tothe community. The pool wasthought to go far toward solvingthe “boy and girl problem” thatwas perplexing parents and agi-tating welfare organizations.

A fire of undetermined origincompletely destroyed the build-ing on Main Street know as the

Bert Bettey building, togetherwith the pool hall fixtures andequipment owned by MattRooney.

It was reported in Februarythe Turner Drug Store wouldsoon install a new Frigidaire.Jim Turner traveled to Min-neapolis and placed and orderfor what is known as a“Frigidaire” or an iceless refrig-erator. The Frigidaire keeps thecream in perfect condition andjust the right temperature.

The Bell Telephone Companyexpected to spend $35,000 in im-provements and additions to the

Sidney telephone exchange.Grand opening of the new

Johnson-Mercer HardwareStore was held in April. Freeflower and cigars were handedout to all visitors.

Dr. and Mrs. J.S. Beagle an-nounced their plans to leave Sid-ney after residing here over 17years. Dr. Benson had purchasedthe practice and would openJune 1, 1926.

Footnote: Information provided by theMonDak Heritage Center’s archives of theSidney Herald.

Page 33: Sidney Centennial

121 3rd Avenue N.W., Sidney • 433-1917 www.richland.org/spl

Summer Hours (Memorial Day to Labor Day)M, T, F, S: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.W & Th: Noon to 7 p.m.

All you need to know @ Your Library

Sidney-RichlandCounty Public Library

Welcome to Sidney’sCentennial Celebration!

MontanaLibrary

Networkhttp://montanalibraries.org

In 1919 the Sidney Women’s Club started the 1st Library in Sidney.

488-2805 ~ 315 2nd Street NW, Sidney ~ www.fulkersons.com

‘It’s All About Saying Good-bye’

Al McGahan ~CFSP

Michael McCollum~ CFSP

Karen Sivertson ~receptionist

Past! Present! Future!

We ‘ll be withSidney for the next

100 years!

Congratulations Sidney, Montana!

Fulkerson Funeral [email protected]

433-17141721 S. Central Ave. Sidney

Banquet Room Ample Parking

Open Mon.–Sat. 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.Sun. 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Family RestaurantWired Meeting Room

Many people haveinfluenced our

cafe since itbecame a part ofour family in 1972.

Martin Lake Sr.Myrtle LakeGeorge LakeMary LakeMartin Lake Jr.Marilyn LakeMyrtle Marie (Lake)Miller

Elmyra (Lake)Schoenheit

Charlotte (Lake)Larson

Steve LakeIra LakeAmy LakeFred LakeJeremy LakeRuth StewartNora CotterMargarett HernandezLoretta RanchSarah AngelTammy LakeEthel Christianson

Elise SatherConnie SturgisHelen SturgisAnn (Zoanni) TaylorLinda (Davidson)Steinbeisser

Marie PulseAlta BinghamSandy PapkaBetty Bolstadand many more

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Happy 100th Birthday, Sidney

Sidney’s CentennialSIDNEY HERALD SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 33

Welcome to Sidney’sCentennial Celebration!

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Page 34: Sidney Centennial

Sidney’s Centennial34 SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 SIDNEY HERALD

BY BILL VANDER WEELESIDNEY HERALD

For nearly 40 years, Stan Rosaaen, owner ofNiehenke Welding, has been serving and caring forthe Sidney community.

“It’s been forever,” Rosaaen, 63, said, noting thathis time of ownership hits 40 years on Oct. 1. “I’mgoing to slow down. I’m thinking of semi-retiring.”

Rosaaen purchased Niehenke Blacksmith Shopin 1971 from J.D. Dawe, who had earlier brought thebusiness from Joe Niehenke. In 1978, the name ofthe business was officially switched to NiehenkeWelding

“I never get any blacksmith work, but we used todo a lot of branding items at that time,” Rosaaensaid.

He adds the business has changed a great dealdown through the years. “We were pretty muchwelding and small repair jobs. Things started to go,and we grew with them,” Rosaaen noted.

Expansions to the building, located at 312 N. Cen-

tral Ave., occurred in 1976, 1991 and 2003. But de-spite the progress, Rosaaen’s caring for the commu-nity never changed.

Despite harvest, area sugar beet growers alwaysknow they can count on Rosaaen to fix machineryregardless of the time of night.

“We’re pretty much on call,” Rosaaen said. “Ifthey call, especially during harvest, we will go out.It’s a service.”

Outside of his work, Rosaaen is active in the localVFW. He served as commander of the local VFW in1988-89. He is currently the adjutant.

“They support a lot of activities in Sidney,”Rosaaen said of the VFW. “We gave a lot of moneyto youth organizations.”

He notes his wife, Shelly, still serves as the busi-ness’ secretary. Once Stan retires, son Ross willtake over ownership.

Stan notes how important Shelly was to his suc-cess. “She really supported me when I was startingout. She carried the load.”

Sidney business owner believesin putting community first

BILL VANDER WEELE |SIDNEY HERALD

Stan Rosaaen at Niehenke Welding.

Page 35: Sidney Centennial

Lower Yellowstone Electric has been in Sidney since 1937, bringing member own-ers reliable electricity for over 70 years. Times may have changed but the service hasn’t. Lower Yellowstone formed to distribute electricity to rural people at the lowest possible cost. This commit-ment has been in existence since Lower Yellowstone was formed.Being established in 1937 made Lower Yellowstone

cooperative in Montana. This came just two years after then President Franklin Roosevelt created the REA program. One hundred thirty six prospective consumers signed up to receive power from Lower Yellowstone.These consumers elected a board of trustees to run the co-op. The trustees elected were Nels Bach,

President; Clayton Worst, Vice President; Leif Erick-son, Secretary; and Dwight Howard, Treasurer. Other trustees were L. Sedlacek, Volney Anderson and George Basso. These men hired Viggo Jensen as the manager of the cooperative, with two other employees helping him.The current board of trustees consists of Allen Thiessen, President; Greg Rauschen-dorfer, Vice President; John Redman, Secretary / Treasurer, along with Dennis Schmierer, Marvin Kilen, Colin Gartner and Lester Larson, Jr. The Manager is Donald Prevost, who runs the cooperative with the help of 23 employees.

mile line was set on August 4, 1937 between Sidney and Fairview. The line was energized on December 18

of that year.Lower Yellowstone now has 1861 miles of distribution line and serves 4,084 meters. The service area is most of Richland County, parts of Dawson and Roosevelt counties in Montana, and parts of McKenzie and Williams counties in North Dakota.The 1937 rates are very close to the rates we have

Kilowatt hours were pur-

or 8¢ per KWH, and were

and 3¢ thereafter. Today Lower Yellowstone Electric’s rate for residential meters is

average cost of electricity

cooperatives in Montana serving more than 400,000 consumers.

From left, L. Sedlacek, Duncan Noyes, Yotney Andersen, George Basso, Clayton Worst, Nels Bach, Leif Erickson, Viggo Jensen, Dwight Howard and A.H. Swenson.

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Page 36: Sidney Centennial

Sidney’s Centennial36 SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 SIDNEY HERALD

BY HARRY LIPSIEASIDNEY HERALD

Arriving in the area in 1884 from Walk-er, Iowa, the Thompson Kemmis familyhas rich tradition. From his son, Walter,helping Richland County split from Daw-son County to his great-grandson Eldonserving on the Sidney City Council, theKemmis family has continued to impactthe area with public service and volun-teerism.

Thompson, like many at the time,moved to eastern Montana to raise a fami-ly and run a ranch. He was rememberedas a hard-working man who instilled dis-cipline and respect into his children.

His son, Walter, was the first Methodistminister in Sidney and is credited withgiving one of the first sermons in the re-gion.

In 1912, Walter was elected as represen-tative on the progressive ticket. Just ayear later during the 13th Legislative As-

sembly, he introduced a bill to separateRichland and Dawson counties. Thisproved to be instrumental in the growthof Sidney. He served as legislator for eightyears before serving two more terms as asenator of Richland County.

His son, George, became an assistantsergeant in the senate and proofreader inthe legislator. After being employed bythe government, George returned hometo run the family farm.

George’s son, Eldon, was extremelycommunity-minded and instrumental asa member of many committees andboards. He was a member of the hospitalboard, city council, Sidney Chamber, en-ergy impact and parks recreation just toname several. He also owned and operat-ed the Toggery, a successful clothingstore, for 25 years.

“Eldon enjoyed serving his communi-ty,” Verna, said of her husband whopassed away in 2009. “He was alwaysproud to be a part of Sidney.”

Kemmis family has strongtradition of service in city

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Thompson, sitting, and Phoebe and Walter Kemmis.

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1954Paul Cresap was elected to head the Sid-

ney Chamber of Commerce in January1954. He replaced N.N. Lund, the 1953president. Cresap of the law firmSanders, Cresap & Koch had been a direc-tor of several chamber projects over theyears.

The Sidney Chamber president an-nounced the new work slogan “Building aGreater Community” for the 1954 year.Fifteen points would be stressed for theyear. 1. Promote and develop all phases ofagriculture – continue present programs.

2. Frontier Airline service to all commu-nities proposed. 3. Central highway devel-opment; adequate financing of Montanahighways. 4. Oil industry locations; pro-mote good relationship; service to the in-dustry. 5. Freight rate reductions; workwith the State Freight Rate association. 6.Stronger retail and wholesale tradeevents. 7. Cooperate with local industryand promote new industry. 8. Communityplanning with all concerned; full use ofthe tax dollar. 9. Maintain and improveeducational, cultural and civic stand. 10.Preserve and improve recreation andyouth activities. 11. Maintain the office as

an information center. 12. Publicize Sid-ney, the county and cooperate with ourneighbors. 13 .Be watchful on state andnational legislative matters. 14. Carry onthe many established permanent proj-ects. 15. Include good ideas from member-ship clinics and accept suggestions to-ward building a greater Sidney.

In February the routing of the Sidney-Circle road by way of Lambert andRichey, known as the north route, wasconfirmed.

Witt Veterinary Hospital was complet-ed in February. It was located on NorthCentral Avenue, adjacent to the north lim-

its of Sidney. Present day it houses B & GProduction Services owned by Rocky andMartha Gorder.

In March, for the first time in the histo-ry, Sidney High School won its first ClassA Southern Divisional basketball cham-pionship over Livingston. Helena edgesSidney for the state’s Class A title.

In June, Gene and Clint Fulkerson ofthe Fulkerson Funeral Home, Plenty-wood, purchased the main building of theSidney Greenhouse. They remodeled andenlarged this into a modern funeral hometo serve Sidney and the surrounding ter-ritory.

Page 37: Sidney Centennial

Sidney’s CentennialSIDNEY HERALD SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 37

BY HARRY LIPSIEASIDNEY HERALD

Born to a large Mennonite family in asmall farm in Missouri, Glayde Yoderwas a true Sidney native when he passedaway at 101 in September of 2000. Thewell-respected businessman lived in thecommunity for 73 years.

In 1928, he found his way to Sidney af-ter accepting a position at the ArmourCreamery. At this time, he fell in lovewith his future wife, Cora. The two weremarried for 65 years.

It didn’t take long for Yoder to get ac-quainted with the community as hebought a partnership in the BurleughKincaid Motor Co. In 1932, he was electeddirector of the Sidney National Bank, apost he held for more than 40 years. Theenteprenuer then bought the SidneyLocker and Creamery, where butter waschurned, ice cream made and the firstpasteurized milk in Sidney was process.

Yoder gave backto his communityand his nation. In1942, he joined theU.S. Army. Whilehe had the choiceto decline servicebecause of his age,he served in Geor-gia for three years.

In 1947, he builtthe Yoder MotorCo. garage andowned the Texaco Gas and Oil Co. In1960, he sold the dealership so he couldretire. He continued to serve and volun-teer in Sidney until his death in 2000.

“If I had it to do over, I’d get more edu-cation,” Yoder told the Herald in 1999.

He is remembered for his generousspirit and love for community and itsyouth.

“He was the kind of guy that if a base-ball team didn’t have jerseys, he wouldpay for them without flinching,” Sidney

native Dean Thogersen said.His love of baseball was also shown in

1949 as he helped bring in major leaguegreat Rogers Hornsby for a baseballcamp.

“Glayde would do whatever it took tokeep kids active and out of trouble. He

was very generous,”Sidney native CraigPrice said.

Yoder was honored in1999 as the Kiwanis Cit-izen of the Year for hislongtime communityservice. He was presi-dent of the Kiwanis in1936. He also had lead-ership roles in the Sid-ney Chamber of Com-merce, the Elks, was a

school board member, trustee of Lons-dale Methodist Church, was instrumen-tal in planning and constructing the Ex-tended Care Center and planted many ofthe trees there.

He was also a longtime Mason andShriner, instrumental in the building ofSidney’s first swimming pool, and sup-ported many area projects including theyouth hockey program.

“He was a strong community memberfor many years,” Price said.

Yoder leads community through business, community service

Glayde Yoder, right, arranged for baseball star Rogers Hornsby to come to Sidney in 1949.Also pictured is Toby Kangas.

Glayde Yoder receiving the Citizen of theYear award in 1999.

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Page 38: Sidney Centennial

�e story of Basin Electric began with individuals determined to build a foundation of reliable elec-tric power for rural America. �ey were pioneers committed to the cooperative way of life.One of those individuals was Rob-ert Louis Potts, according to Keith Berg, who at the time of Potts’ death was the general manager of Burke-Divide Electric Cooperative and a friend of Potts.“Potts centered his life around cooperatives,” said Berg. “In the late 1950s and early 1960s Potts was actively involved in forming both Upper Missouri G&T Electric Cooperative and Basin Electric,” Berg said. “He was truly one of the pioneers of our industry.”Potts was born March 16, 1920 in Culbertson, NE, the son of Met and Bess Potts. He graduated from Malta (MT) High School in 1938. He married Lee Peterson in Saco, MT, in 1939.Potts began his cooperative career as a lineman at Goldenwest Elec-tric Cooperative, Wibaux, MT, in 1945. In 1950, he moved to Lower

Yellowstone REA in Sidney, MT, where he worked as line superin-tendent. In 1957, Potts was hired as manager at Burke-Divide Electric Cooperative in Columbus, ND, and served in that position for 18 years. He became general manager of RSR Electric Cooperative in Milnor, ND, in 1975 and retired in 1980 a�er 33 years in the rural electric �eld. He was also employed for two years by the State of Mon-tana as a project engineer during his career.Berg said a�er Potts retired, he would stop at Burke-Divide about once a year just to catch up on what was happening. “He always wanted to be informed about what was going on in the industry,” he said. “�e impact he had on the co-ops he served will be remembered.”Potts died April 30. 2006, a�er a short illness in Sidney, MT, at the age of 86. He was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Lee, and subsequently his wife of 17 years, Bernice. He has three sons, Robert, Brent and Rick.

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Sidney’s Centennial38 SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 SIDNEY HERALD

Page 39: Sidney Centennial

Sidney’s CentennialSIDNEY HERALD SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 39

Sheridan. Baffled over the work thatmust have gone into the history collec-tion Mercer’s reaction was, “Oh mercyme, this just had to be done.”

Mercer took the book idea to the boardand it was approved immediately. Shewrote to the editor of the Sheridan’s Day-break and requested him to come downto give them a lift in starting the book.They approached the homemaker’s clubto start compiling stories. Mercer part-nered with DeLyle Jarvis and GildaBuxbaum and after three years of hardwork, writing, editing and working withprinters and publishers, the finishedproduct was released. “CourageEnough” is a 1,051-page publication com-plete with photos, maps and index dis-playing 100 years of Richland Countyhistory.

In 1996 a second edition of the bookcalled, “Courage Enough II” was pub-lished, a 514-page volume with familystories of people who came between 1925and 1960. Jean Pfau put in a significantamount of time toward this project.

David McCullough, American author,said “history is a guide to navigation inperilous times. History is who we areand why we are the way we are.” Thanksto Mary Mercer and those who helpedpublish Courage Enough, we can remem-ber our past and use it when needed as aguide for the future.

FROM PAGE 8

SUBMITTED

Top, Mary Mercer, left, and Gilda Buxbaum are honored by the Montana Chamber fortheir work in publishing “Courage Enough.”

Left, Mary Mercer opens the finished product of “Courage Enough” after three years ofwork.

Mercer: Continues to share passion for history in her community

BY ASHLEE ANVIKSIDNEY HERALD

Every community is served by a hostof leaders who specialize in differentareas of society: bankers, doctors,lawyers, political leaders, clergymenand women, judges among many oth-ers.

Establishing these roles in an earlysociety that was just grabbing onto itsbearings is difficult, and the work ofmany is admirable.

Two notable lives to commemorate atthe 100th anniversary of Sidney arethose of former Richland County attor-ney Carl Brattin and his wife, Mertie.Brattin’s roots are in Barry County,Michigan. Carl attended Nashville HighSchool and studied law at the Universi-ty of Michigan, graduating in 1910. Hemigrated to Sidney where he started a50-year career of practicing law.

Brattin is remembered for designat-ing the name Richland as a name forour county. He wore many caps in thecommunity to include that of county at-torney of Richland County and was amember of the state executive commit-tee.

He was a delegate at large from Mon-tana to the Republican National Con-vention. He represented the MontanaKiwanis Club as governor in 1932. Mer-tie served as Grand Matron of EasternStar of Montana and Carl served asGrand Master of Masons of Montana.Carl was also a Master Mason in LowerYellowstone Lodge No. 90 in Sidney andlater Worshipful Master of the Lodge.

Carl was a memorable speaker with apleasant personality. He is rememberedfor his level-headed spirit and commonsense. He visited many fraternal lodgesin his lifetime and devoted a life of

service to them.Mertie Brattin had a passion for fra-

ternal life. When the Richland CountyEastern Star was organized in Sidney,she was a charter member and servedas its Worthy Matron in 1923.

She served as a member of the stateexecutive committee of the Hoover forPresident Club of Montana.

Mertie served as a charter member ofthe Philanthropic Education Organiza-tion in Sidney in 1929 and was also thefirst Mother Advisor of the Sidney As-sembly, Order of the Rainbow Girls.

If the Brattins were known for onething, it would have been for their self-less service they brought to the commu-nity.

They will be remembered for their in-volvement in philanthropic venturesand leave behind a legacy of leadership.

Brattin family known as leaders of philanthropic endeavors in Sidney

SUBMITTED

Carl and Mertie Brattin were active in phil-anthropic organizations in the community.Carl was the Richland County attorney formany years.

Page 40: Sidney Centennial

Sidney’s Centennial40 SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 SIDNEY HERALD

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BY LOUISA BARBERSIDNEY HERALD

Today, Sidney resident BillForrester is known as the manwho fixes bicycles, but if onetakes a closer look at his volun-teer resume, one can see he’sdone a lot more than fix bikes.

Forrester moved to Sidney in1954, following service in mili-tary. By 1959, Forrester hadstarted his volunteer careerwhen he became a charter mem-ber of Sidney Jaycees. He wasthe recipient of the Sidney Ser-vice Award given by Jaycees inthe 1960s.

He, along with Eldon Steffens,Don Rees and Clair Evanson, be-gan the ambulance service in1960, loading up a vehicle withlights, sirens, cabinents and oth-er equipment and turning overthe keys to the county. “Theydidn’t have anybody to drive it,so I drove it for three years,”Forrester said and was on-call24 hours a day, seven days aweek.

This would be just the start ofhis volunteer services. Heserved in the Sidney VolunteerFire Department for 21 years,acting as assistant fire chief for18 years; coached Little Leaguebaseball; and was active in BoyScouts for 45 years, earning theSilver Beaver Award, which isthe second highest honor be-stowed on civilians for serviceto Scouting activities. He was asinger in the 1960s in a 16-volun-teer member group, the BobJohnson Singers, a travelingsinging group that performedshows around the region, in-cluding to Helena for a perform-

ance at the seven-state Republi-can governors’ convention ledby former Gov. Tim Babcock.“That was the highlight,” For-rester said. The group per-formed in front of more than3,000 people and received astanding ovation.

Among his other activities,Forrester remains a permanentmember on the MonDak Her-itage Center’s board of direc-tors as well as gives time in oth-er ways. “Anything they neededdone I did and still do,” he said.Scrub floors, change light bulbs,maintain sidewalks, even mak-ing and donating handmadewooden projects (bird houses,prairie vases) among his doings.

For 34 years, he offered hisservices as chain runner forSidney High School football.“That was the best seat in thehouse,” he said. He was thereduring good times – named thebest chain guy in the state byreferees – and bad, and duringSidney’s remarkable champi-onship streak, which had beenexciting to watch.

And if that wasn’t enough,there’s even more. He has volun-teered to take tickets duringClass C basketball tournaments,serves on the board of directorsfor RSVP (Retired Senior Volun-teer Program), serves Meals onWheels, has taught first-aidclasses for bus drivers, serveson his church’s board, and hasdonated 177 pints of blood to theAmerican Red Cross over theyears. That’s 21 gallons. “Andhe’s still giving,” Forrester’swife, Mary, said, twice a year. Hefeels good when he does. “It’sjust like changing the oil in

your car. You got to do it everyonce in a while,” Bill said.

So what keeps him volunteer-ing his time all these years? “Ienjoy it,” he said simply. Hiswife adds, “He loves it, and I likeit too because he’s gone!” Andthey share a laugh.

Today, about half of the 81-year-old’s time is taken up byhis projects, most notably hisbike hobby, which he’s had sincehis oldest son, who will turn 60soon, was old enough to ride. Itbegan working on his children’sand graduated to the neighbors’and then the neighborhood.

“And then I was doing it foreverybody in town,” he said.Flat tires, brakes, shifting mech-anisms, handle bars; you nameit, he’ll fix it. He even put onbike clinics with Jaycees forsafety checks every year for sev-eral years. Forrester guesseshe’s worked on some 3,000 bikesduring the 45-50 years he’s beendoing it. He’s been known as thecheapest service in town, butthat’s fine with him since it’s anenjoyable hobby that pays for it-self. “I just like mechanicalthings. I always have,” he said.

So much of Forrester’s time

has been taken up by his volun-teer service, an example for oth-ers. He believes it’s a necessity.“There’s so many things thatwouldn’t get done if it wasn’tfor volunteers,” he said. “I al-ways feel good when I go outand do something for someone. Ienjoy people. I enjoy doingthings for them.”

Mary said his work has neverbothered her because he enjoysit. “If he wants to do thesethings that’s fine. If I wantsomething done I just have toyell loud!” she said, adding, “Itdoes Bill’s heart good too.”

Longtime volunteer gives time, energy to community

LOUISA BARBER | SIDNEY HERALD

Bill Forrester, working on a bike repair, has been a leader in Boy Scouts, the MonDak Heritage Center and theSidney Volunteer Fire Department.

Page 41: Sidney Centennial

BY HARRY LIPSIEASIDNEY HERALD

From baseball in the early 1900s to thefootball and wrestling dynasties of the late1990s and early 2000s, Sidney has contin-ued to be a community full of rich athletictradition. While there have been excellentathletes through the years, one took hertalents to the professional level.

Deb Prevost, a Sidney High School grad-uate, was contacted by professional scoutsdue to her exceptional college career. Withan All-American title, as a senior at East-ern Montana College, the 5-7 guard playedthree years in the now defunct Women’sBasketball League.

“It was simply awesome,” Prevost, whohas lived in Sidney nearly her entire life,said. “For me, it was an absolute dreamcome true. At the time, that was the high-est level that a women’s basketball playercould make. I was grateful for that oppor-tunity.”

It’s hard to believe this professional ath-lete never played organized basketball un-til her senior season. In fact, no female inSidney did.

“Until Deb’s senior season, there was nohigh school girls basketball team at Sid-ney High School,” longtime teacher andcoach at Sidney High School VirginiaDschaak said. “It was so exciting to seethose girls have that chance to compete.”

That’s not to say Prevost had neverplayed the game. In fact, she grew up play-ing against boys in pick-up games. It, how-ever, was nice to have the chance to show-case her talents.

“It always seemed like there was an oddnumber of guys in our neighborhood. Ijust always played with the boys and mybrother Greg. That’s just the way it was,”Prevost said. “But it was great that wecould have our own team.”

“In her first and last year of high schoolbasketball, she displayed great talent andnatural competitiveness,” Dschaak said.

“She was just a tremendous player.”

“She was just so appreciative for thechance to show off her skill, even thoughit’s a shame that more people didn’t get tosee how truly talented Deb was.”

Prevost and the rest of the Eastern Mon-tana College squad had tremendous suc-cess throughout her career. The teamqualified for the national tournamentthree out of the four years she played. Pre-vost led the team in scoring and wasnamed All-American. She was laternamed to the college’s Hall of Fame.

“It was a very enjoyable time,” she saidof her career in Billings. “We were verysuccessful and had a good group of ath-letes.”

Due to her credentials, she was draftedin the fourth round by the Minnesota Fil-lies of the Women’s Basketball League. Af-ter being on the squad, she was traded tothe Milwaukee Does after an injury.

“It was such a valuable life experiencefor me,” Prevost said. “It wasn’t collegeanymore. There was absolutely no job se-curity and that was new to me. You couldbe traded or released at any point.”

She played for the Does for two and ahalf years until the team folded and the

league went under. It was disappointing tosay the least, Prevost said.

“It was heartbreaking,” she said.“Everyone was terribly disappointed, butthere really wasn’t anything we could do.”

Despite this, Prevost wouldn’t trade theexperience for anything in the world.

“It was just a great time,” she said. “Itwas truly an once-in-a-lifetime opportuni-ty.”

Prevost returned and began teachingphysical education in the Sidney schoolsystem in 1981, a position she continues tohold at Sidney Middle School. The oppor-tunity to be a positive influence in thelives of young adults is a great one.

“It’s satisfying, that age group, becausestudents are going through a lot of transi-tions at that time,” she said. “I hope I’vebeen able to make a difference.”

Prevost is thankful for the Sidney Mid-dle School staff. “There has just been somany great staff members through theyears,” she said. “They’re just great overthere, and it’s made it a pleasure to workthere all this time.”

She has also had the chance to use herathletic experiences, knowledge and com-petitiveness as a coach through the years.From 1986-2005, she was the head girls bas-

ketball coach at Sidney High School.There, she led the Eagles to many statetournament appearance and broughthome third-place trophies.

“I was privileged with some really goodathletes and great kids during my career,”Prevost said.

She also coached the Sidney TigerSharks swim team from 1980-1990.

“That’s just a fantastic, family-orientedprogram,” she said. “It has been ever sinceRichard Buehler started it.”

Prevost, who helps out with the Sidneyjunior high golf program, served as a jun-ior high coach this season.

“It’s enjoyable to work with younggolfers,” she said. “I have a deep passionfor the game. It’s challenging, and that’swhy I love it.”

As a former professional athlete and asa coach, Prevost has a special place in theathletic tradition of Sidney.

“She needs to be recognized for her con-tributions,” Dschaak said. “Deb continuesto strive for improvement in herself andthe community.”

Prevost added, “I’m very grateful thatI’ve had the chance to come back andcoach in the community where I grew upand pay it forward.”

Sidney’s CentennialSIDNEY HERALD SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 41

Sidney athlete hits professional women’s basketball ranks

Deb Prevost has been inducted into Halls ofFame at the high school and collegiate lev-els.

Join the Sidney Herald for anIce Cream Social

Sunday,June 26,1-4 p.m.Veterans Memorial Park

Page 42: Sidney Centennial

Sidney’s Centennial42 SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 SIDNEY HERALD

BY LOUISA BARBERSIDNEY HERALD

Perhaps one of Sidney’s mostremembered residents is onewho had a promising career asa politician. Some thought he’deventually run for president ofthe United States, but after theuntimely death, those thoughtsremain unanswered.

Donald Nutter, former repre-sentative and governor, wasborn in Lambert in 1915 follow-ing the family move from Min-nesota. He moved to Sidney,graduated from Sidney HighSchool in 1933 and marriedMaxine Trotter in 1938. Heworked as a manager at Trac-tor and Equipment at the Glas-gow office until World War IIwhen he flew 62 combat mis-sions as a bomber pilot. Heracked up more than 500 hoursof combat time and spent 39months in the old Army AirCorps, 13 months of that timein the China-burma-India the-ater.

After the war, Nutter re-turned to Sidney and enteredthe implement business but lat-er sold out to become a lawyer.He graduated from the Univer-sity of Montana, Missoula, in1954 at the top of his class andserved two years as deputyclerk of the district court andtwo years as undersheriff forRichland County.

He was elected state senatorfrom 1950-58. He was chairmanof the Montana RepublicanParty in 1958-1960 when he wasnominated for governor. Hewas elected in 1960.

His tenure didn’t last long ashe was killed suddenly in aplane crash in January 1962while en route to a speakingengagement in Cut Bank. Fiveothers were also killed. It wasthe first time a Montana gover-nor died from anything otherthan natural causes while inoffice.

For many, Nutter is remem-bered for being a tough, out-spoken man. “He was loud,”Dean Thogersen recalls. “Helet you know where you stoodthat’s for sure. He wasn’t bash-ful.”

Thogersen played softball un-der Nutter in the 1950s on Sid-ney’s volunteer softball team.

When Dean spoke to the soon-to-be governor, he listened.There were many conversa-tions about the game and howto play better. “I listened to himmore than I talked. He told mewhat to do, and I did it,” hesaid.

Thogersen also remembershis Sidney High School footballyears of 1947 and 1948 whenNutter helped with practices.At that time, Sidney was intransition from Class B toClass A, and the football coachhad quit, so Sidney’s basket-ball coach took the reins. Hedidn’t know much about thesport and recruited Nutter tohelp. “He put on a helmet, andhe’d run at us with no pads ornothing,” Thogersen said. “Wetried to tackle him. Yeah, hewas tough.” The team finishedthe season with pretty evenamounts of wins and losses.

Many folks in the 1940s mayrecall Nutter’s role officiatingregional basketball games,something he enjoyed for 13years. “He was pretty well-known as an official,”

Thogersen said, looking back.Nutter’s voice was loud enoughwithout an amplifier, and ifthere was a foul, he wasn’t shyabout calling a player out. “Hejust embarrassed the heck outof ya. He was the boss,”Thogersen said. “But he was

good at it.”As governor of Montana, it

was clear the Nutter name wasfast becoming popular in polit-ical circles, evident by the col-lection of letters, gifts andplaques he was honored with,including a gift from former

Guam Gov. Bill Daniels and aplaque given to his family fromAthol Murray, Saskatchewan, awell-known Canadian publicfigure who had this to say:

“Canadians join with DwightEisenhower in high acclaim,man of measured, constructivethought. Nutter – throughgrace of personal charm,strength of character –through pervasive feeling forhis fellow man and unfalteringsense of responsibility – was amasterful force for hemispher-ic friendliness and unity. De-spite death, his ideas will fruc-tify in an America of signifi-cance and splendor and highendeavor.”

At the time of his death,Thogersen had been at the Sid-ney Chamber’s annual meetingat the Lalonde Hotel. A lawyerreceived a phone call suddenly,he said. That’s when newsreached the area. “That endedthe program. Everybody justkind of left,” Thogersen said.“Everybody was shocked.Couldn’t believe it.”

It turns out the entire statewas in shock, especially be-cause many thought he’d go torun for president. “He was agood speaker and well thoughtof,” Thogersen said. “I thinkhe’d have done pretty well ifhe’d lived a little longer. Wasgetting to be pretty well-known.”

Today, Nutter is honored by astatue in Veterans MemorialPark, the Nutter building thatwas home for years to the cityand county justice courts, aswell as Nutter Park, located be-tween Fourth and Fifth StreetsS.E.

Among the items left behindby Sidney’s most famous politi-cian is an autograph bookletwith an entry that may best de-scribe him more than what canbe remembered of him:

“I am so tired, but my life hasbeen good. Although at timesmy troubles were many as Ilook back and remember myparents’ home with love and af-fection for all. But life is not sokind at times, and the lessonmust be taught that hardshipsbring out our better selves toface whatever lies ahead. Havefaith and all will be well.”

Sidney’s former leader, Nutter, gained state’s highest office

COURTESY MONDAK HERITAGE CENTER

Gov. Don Nutter giving a speech.

COURTESY MONDAK HERITAGE CENTER

Gov. Don Nutter in his office in Helena.

Page 43: Sidney Centennial

• All Types of Fencing• Pit Liners• Trenching • Chainlink

• Grass Seeding • Mulching

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798-7754 • 34609 Hwy 200 • Sidney, Montana 59270 CELL PHONES: J.C. Youngquist 489-3584 • Larry Youngquist 489-7754 • Fax: 798-3488 [email protected]

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Welcomes you to theSidney Centennial

and Town & CountryFestival celebration

Sidney’s CentennialSIDNEY HERALD SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 43

1948 - Groundbreaking for a new church at Lincoln Ave. & Main St.

1955 - Pella Church & adjacent parsonage

June 2011 - Building for the future

1912 - at present day Sidney Cemetery

1925 - at Central Avenue & 5th Street SW

2008 - Celebrating 100 years!

Our Mission - “With Christ, We Welcome, Nurture, Equip, and Serve”

Congratulations Sidney!!

Pella Lutheran ChurchA part of the Sidney community from the beginning...

Looking forward to the next 100 years!

Page 44: Sidney Centennial

We invite you to join us in celebrating 100 years of community spirit.

1911-1913 �omas C. Gardner

1913-1917 Augustus Vaux

1917-1921 E.A. (Edgar) Kenoyer

1922-1925 A.U. Arthur Hall

1925-1926 W.H. (Walt) Stewart

1926-1928 Guy L. Rood

1941-1944 H.H. (Herbert) Kincaid

1944-1949 J.H. (J. Harry) Clark

1928-1934 H.E. Meisenbach

1934-1941 Axel Nelson

1949-1955 W.C (Wm Curtis) Ball

1955-1957 J.M. (John) Suckstro�

1957-1965 Harold L. Mercer

1965-1971 Oscar L. Anderson

1971-1978 Bruce Harris

1978-1980 Ben G. Nordell

1980-1986 Charles L. Cummings

1986-2001Harold L. Mercer

2001-present Bret Smelser

Sidney Mayors

Sidney’s Centennial44 SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011 SIDNEY HERALD


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