10 years ago: 2013
The 19th annual Ashley Trading Days Festival was held last weekend with a variety of activities for the entire family including village-wide garage sales, 3 on 3 basketball tournament, talent show, pedal pull chicken barbeque, 5 K run and so much more! Queen Chelsea Arnold, Junior Miss MacKenzie Jelinek and Princess Carly Johnson were on hand to enjoy the event.
After 23 years serving as executive director and assistant director of the United Way of Gratiot County, Sharon Fenton is retiring. She was honored recently during an open house at the Wilxoc Non-Profit Center in Alma, a facility she was instrumental in creating.
The annual Joe Scholtz Free Fishing Derby was held on the banks of the Pine River last Saturday in St. Louis. The event is named after the city’s late mayor who founded and organized the derby 15 years ago.
20 years ago: 2003
The Alma Tigers Special Olympics handball team recently won the title at the state Summer Special Olympics. The Tigers, coached by Ron LeClear and assisted by Mark and Heather Sutherland, captured the championship in dramatic fashion winning the crown 16-13.
Sam Spade of Perrinton recently competed in the AAU National Ironman Wrestling Championship in Alcoa, Tenn. On May 24 through 26. Spade placed second in Greco-Roman, third in freestyle and third in folkstyle to finish third overall in the Ironman competition at 120 pounds in the 9-10 year old age group.
30 years ago: 1993
Rachel Space of Ithaca and Shnnon Spykerman of Alma were crowned queen and princess of Ithaca’s Agricultural Expo.
A third generation has taken over ownership of Dionise Market in downtown Ithaca to keep the family operation going. The Dionise family has operated a store at the same location for more than 90 years. New owners are brother and sister, Mary and John Town, both of Ithaca.
Jenny McMann of St. Louis achieved both a Mid-West Championship trophy and a Dance of the Day trophy for her overall dance skills at the Highland Festival.
Taking top honors at Alma High School as male and female Athletes of the Year were Dana Giles and Tom Almeida.
40 years ago: 1983
Merritt Bongard was ordained Deacon in the West Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church. The Rev. Bongard is a 1961 graduated of Alma High School.
Bernice Gallup of Ashley and Alice Richardson of St. Louis, both 50 year members were honored by the Michigan Association of Extension Homemakers.
50 years ago: 1973
Robert Irwin, operator of the 3-Way Party Store and Camper Sales, has purchased the former Bouchy Monument Company building at 1044 E. Center St. Ithaca and will be moving the Party Store to that location. The store will be called The Keg Party Store. The Campers Sales will continue business at the intersection of Bagley and Washington Rd., Ithaca.
Kathleen Marie Townsend, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Townsend will graduate with high academic honors from Butterworth Hospital School of Nursing in Grand Rapids.