The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for Sept. 22, 2014

Ed Williams in September 1981.

THREE YEARS AGO

SEPT. 22, 2011

Evergreen weather reporter Harry Ellis reported a high temperature of 92 degrees on Sept. 14 and lows of 61 on Sept. 15 and Sept. 16. He reported no rainfall between Sept. 12 and Sept. 18.

“Members of the Conecuh County Rescue Squad and local firefighters were part of the search team that found a missing Escambia County man that had spent nearly two days in the woods near Castleberry.

“According to Conecuh County Rescue Squad Commander Sean Klaetsch, rescuers found Rufus David Blair, 77, of Appleton at 10:37 a.m. last Thursday in a wooded area off East Railroad Street in Castleberry.

“Family members reported Blair missing on Tuesday morning, and authorities found his 2003 Buick LeSabre in a wooded area off a hunting camp road in Castleberry Wednesday night.

“Rescue workers came from across the area to help look for Blair, including members of the rescue squads from Conecuh, Monroe and Escambia counties. Fire departments taking part in the search included Castleberry, Sand Cut, Beat 8, Flat Rock, Evergreen, Lenox and Range.

“Sheriff’s deputies from Conecuh and Escambia counties also took part in the search as did officials with the Emergency Management Agencies in Conecuh and Monroe counties. A state-owned helicopter as well as tracking dogs from Holman Prison in Atmore were also used in the search. Twenty or more volunteers also helped in the search, Klaetsch said.”

18 YEARS AGO

SEPT. 26, 1996

“The end of an era came about last week when Mr. Joe Hyde officially retired from The Evergreen Courant. Mr. Joe came to work at the paper in 1943 when he was hired by R.G. Bozeman Sr. After 53 years, he has worked with three generations, ending with Robert Bozeman. The staff gave him a combination birthday party and retirement party last Friday. He is pictured next to a press, the Little Giant, that was purchased brand new a year before he began working at the newspaper. He has seen the newspaper go from hand set type to the computer era.”

Evergreen weather reporter Harry Ellis reported .07 inches of rain on Sept. 16 and .40 inches of rain on Sept. 22. He reported a high of 87 degrees on Sept. 17 and a low of 56 on Sept. 22.

“Chief of Police Thomas Booker and his wife, Laurie, were honored with a reception in their behalf Monday afternoon on the chief’s last day. The Chief has taken a job in Spanish Fort, Ala. Chief Booker served the city for three years and was presented a plaque in recognition of his service.”

“Chavers overtakes Caylor in run-off for City Council Dist. 1: Evergreen City Council member for District One Jerry Caylor failed in his attempt to seek another term to that position in the runoff election on Sept. 17. Caylor was defeated by political newcomer Homer Chavers by 101 to 58 votes.”

33 YEARS AGO

SEPT. 24, 1981

Evergreen weather reporter Earl Windham reported 1.82 inches of rain on Sept. 15. He reported a high 95 on Sept. 15 and a low of 43 on Sept. 19.

“Williams is new editor ‘Andy’ daily: Ed Williams has been named editor and general manager of The Andalusia Star-News, Publisher Joe Starling announced today. Williams assumed responsibilities here Tuesday and succeeds managing editor Ron Culbreth, who is joining a Birmingham newspaper.

“For the past 2-1/2 years, Williams, 28, has been editor and general manager of The Brewton Standard.

“Williams is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Edsel Williams of Owassa.”

“A break-in at Conecuh County High School that occurred during the night of Sept. 15 and was reported to Conecuh County Sheriff Edwin L. Booker’s office at eight o’clock a.m. Sept. 16 was quickly solved with four males arrested at eight o’clock Wednesday night of last week (same day).

“As far as could be determined, according to investigating officers, nothing was taken from the school. However, those who entered the building did vandalize it.”

“Navy Seaman Recuit Clifford D. Fowler, son of Hazel D. Fowler of 117 Factory St., Evergreen, recently visited three Japanese ports during an 18-day goodwill tour.

“He is a crewmember aboard the amphibious command ship USS Blue Ridge, operating from Yokosuka, Japan.”

48 YEARS AGO

SEPT. 22, 1966

“A well-known Lyeffion pulpwood operator was killed when his car was struck by a train at the crossing at Binion’s Pool, about six miles south of Evergreen, last Thursday.

“Thomas Lloyd Kendrick, 49, was killed instantly. It is understood that at the time of the accident, he was engaged in trying to locate some workers for his pulpwood operation.”

“The Castleberry Gin Co. suffered minor damages in a fire Tuesday night. The Evergreen Fire Department answered the call and was able to control the blaze quickly and hold damage to a minimum.”

“Miller Trading Co. was granted a building permit (by the Evergreen City Council) for construction of a building next door to its present store building on Cooper Street. The building will be used to handle bulk fertilizer. Harry Ellis and Charles Burt, owners, appeared before the council.”

“The purchase of voting machines for the county has been approved by the Conecuh County Board of Directors.

“The Board has placed an order for 30 machines and delivery has been promised in time for the general election in November.

“The purchase of the machines means that there will be no paper ballots in future elections other than for absentee voting.

“The Board of Directors is now in the process of realigning the county’s 37 voting boxes so that they may be served by 30 machines.”

63 YEARS AGO

SEPT. 27, 1951

“Cpl. J.R. Stowers Is On The Korean Front: With the 1st Cav. Div. In Korea – Cpl. Johnny R. Stowers, Route E, Evergreen, Ala., recently joined the 1st Cavalry Division on the battle front in Korea.

“A veteran unit of the Korean war, the division led the U.N.’s first large-scale offensive against the Communists – the spectacular breakthrough northward last September from the Taegu perimeter.

“Stowers, who entered the Army in January 1951, previously was stationed at Fort Jackson, S.C.”

“Lt. Col. and Mrs. S.P. England and sons, Sandy and Mike, have gone to Boston, Mass., where he entered Harvard School of Business Administration.”

“ARRIVES IN JAPAN: HQ 6161st Air Base Wing, Japan – Cpl. Alvin D. Ryland, a Repton, Ala. airman, now stationed at this base as an Air Policeman, will guard Far East Air Forces B-29 Superforts which fly daily missions against the Communist forces in Korea.”

“Conecuh Chapter 217, O.E.S. will hold its regular meeting at the Masonic Hall Monday night, Oct. 1, at 7 p.m.”

“Vernon Millsap, young Evergreen attorney, was named this week to head the steering committee for the second annual Christmas Carnival staged by the Evergreen Junior Chamber of Commerce with cooperation and assistance of the business houses of Evergreen.”