Over the Years

50 YEARS AGO
December 27, 1956 — An 18-man delegation from Hillsboro traveled to Bismarck to meet with Gen. Heber Edwards, adjutant general of the N.D. National Guard. Chauncey Kaldor, spokesman for the group, told the general that a site had finally been secured for a new armory in Hillsboro. The proposed building’s location met with widespread approval in the community, which also saw the building as a new public auditorium. The general informed the delegation the project would move forward once the local Guard unit had increased its numbers from 50 to 71 men, or 50 percent of its authorized strength.
Unusually warm and pleasant winter weather made for a Merry Christmas in the valley. A trace of snow fell and temperatures hit the mid 40s during the holiday break.
40 YEARS AGO
December 28, 1966 — Seasons greetings from several local businesses were printed in the Banner. Among the advertisers were the Grove Brothers of Hartz Market, Jim Allen of the Piggly Wiggly, Elmer Anderson of Coast-to-Coast, Al Bohm of Bohm Excavating, Louis Wavra of Farmers Union Grain, Ken Matteson and Arnie Sorum of the A&K Dairy Bar, Herman Koering of Taft Farmers Elevator, Ron Mehl of the Gambles Store and Keith and Bernice Porter of Pioneer Mutual.
30 YEARS AGO
December 30, 1976 — Hillsboro city commissioners hired Larry Lee as the new city planner. Commissioners also ordered new electrical equipment to correct a low-voltage problem on the city’s east side and restructured minimum rates for electrical service.
The Banner printed Happy New Year’s messages from the Ron Deck Flying Service, Gundy’s TV, Harold’s Cafe, Traill County Implement, Dan’s Jack & Jill Food Center, Equity Elevator, Norm’s Bar, Matchke’s Bar, Eleanor’s Beauty Shop, Traill Inn and Bud’s Standard.
Al Meyer officially retired as Mayville State College athletic director after 21 years in the position. Coach and department head Marty Johnson had been appointed to fill the post.
Dave Nelson scored five points in overtime to give the Hillsboro Burros a 52-49 win over Cooperstown in boys basketball.
20 YEARS AGO
December 29, 1986 — HHS grad Tom Christopher was in the midst of his first year of study to become an ordained Lutheran minister at the Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
The Hillsboro boys basketball team won their fourth game in a row with a 72-48 win over Central Cass.
The Hillsboro Day Care planned a New Year’s Eve dance at the armory to raise money for a playground fence.
10 YEARS AGO
December 30, 1996 — The new Taft Agronomy Center opened for business. A division of the Shelly Farmers Co-op, the center was managed by Brian Visser.
Winners in the HBA Christmas lighting contest were Tom and Elena McNamee, Walter and Viola Ludwig and Lyn Birkeland.
Back from an injury, Burro center Matt Walsvik scored 19 points to lead the Hillsboro boys basketball team to a 64-36 win over Larimore.
Ranked sixth in the state, the Burro wrestling team was led by top-ranked region athletes — Mike Rodriguez, Chris Mueller, Josh Rude, John Mueller, Bryan Mueller and Jason Lovas.

— compiled by Michelle McLean