Peekin' into the Past

Five Years Ago

Aug. 9, 2018

Visitors at the Phillips County Fair had the chance to try scaled-down versions of obstacles from the hit reality TV show “American Ninja Warrior” on Friday and Saturday, July 27-28.

As work on the pavilion at the fairgrounds continues, Phillips County has come up with a wry new motto for the project — “It ain’t done yet!” — which was announced at the Phillips County Board of Commissioners meeting on July 31.

Ten Years Ago

Aug. 8, 2013

While no decision had been made concerning whether or not to put the secession issue on the November ballot as of the Aug. 2 Phillips County Board of Commissioners meeting, commissioners stated that they are leaning toward equal legislative representation as a more appropriate measure to ensure the rural voice of Colorado is heard.

A familiar face has returned to law enforcement in Phillips County as Phil Biersdorfer has stepped in as the new sheriff’s deputy for the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office, starting July 20. Biersdorfer previously served as Holyoke’s police chief.

The George Poe family farm southeast of Holyoke was recently recognized with the Colorado Centennial Farm Award, which honors farmers and ranchers whose families have owned and worked their land continuously for 100 years or more.

Mud volleyball made its first appearance at the Phillips County Fair on Friday, July 26.

Sixteen teams of four competed against each other during Family Farm Olympics on July 26 at the Phillips County Fairgrounds.

Twenty-Five Years Ago

Aug. 13, 1998

A wildlife area on land owned by KBC Trading and Processing Company, formerly Jack’s Bean, is currently in the making. According to Steve Brown, KBC regional manager, the railroad sold a piece of land to KBC that includes the area west of Highway 385 following the creekbed that was in dire need of being cleaned up.

Called “the dirtiest show in town,” mud dragging is coming to the Phillips County Fairgrounds on Aug. 15. Mud draggers race in a mud pit that is 18 inches deep, 20 feet wide and 80-150 feet long.

An afternoon organ recital as well as a special church service and congregation evening picnic are part of the celebration plans for the 90th anniversary of Zion Lutheran Church in Holyoke this Sunday, Aug. 16.

Landon Dirks is the first to show llamas at the Phillips County Fair.

A decision to move closer to his fiancee has brought Joe Baird back to the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy.

Fifty Years Ago

Aug. 9, 1973

Holyoke fire department was called out Thursday, Aug. 2, at 2:54 a.m. to extinguish a fire at Holyoke Liquors. According to department officials, the fire, which caused extensive damage, started from faulty wiring.

Holyoke Swim Club entered the district AAU record book last week when Randy Cox, 10, swam the 50-yard freestyle in 31.9 seconds to break the previous record of 32.7 seconds for the 9-10 age group.

Seventy-Five Years Ago

Aug. 12, 1948

A transaction was completed last week whereby Bert J. Lewis and sons Mearle and Edward purchased the Peerless Theatre from Mr. and Mrs. Clarence J. Brase.

Members of the Holyoke Lions Club will conduct a survey of the citizens of the town for a few days to determine the wishes of the people regarding a garbage disposal plan for Holyoke. The plan calls for the collection of garbage and trash three days a week during the summer months and two days a week in the winter.