Ark Valley News - Looking Back

Looking Back
Last Updated: November 17, 2016

50 years ago

Marine Pvt. Wilbur L. Smith Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur L. Smith of Valley Center, completed four weeks of individual combat training at Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Pvt. Walter H. Fowler Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter H. Fowler of Bentley, completed eight weeks of advanced infantry training at Fort Ord, Calif.

45 years ago

Brian C. Miller completed 25 years with the Coleman Company in Wichita. He received a silver pen with a diamond insert for his service and joined the Old-Timers Club founded by W.C. Coleman.

The National Council of Teachers of English named Cheryl Forbes of Valley Center as one of the outstanding high school English teachers in the country.

40 years ago

Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Hall and Mrs. Lloyd McLaughlin returned from a 10-day vacation in Las Vegas. Mrs. Hall was chosen to be on the trading floor of the "Let's Make a Deal" television show.

Mrs. Olive Basore was honored with an open house and card shower for her 90th birthday.

35 years ago

Daniel Wilson, son of James and Joy Wilson of Valley Center, won the Meisel Scholarship from Friends University.

Glenda Sanderson graduated from Wesley Medical Center's histology training program and became a certified histotechnologist.

30 years ago

Chrissy Sitts of Valley Center finished 152nd in the NAIA cross-country meet in Kenosha, Wis., while running for Fort Hays State University.

Susan Kaufman's class at Abilene Elementary started a newspaper. Members of the staff were Stacia Decker, Amy Angell, Kendall Schraw, Heather Dilla and Donnie Sailing.

25 years ago

A plane crash near Meridian and 77th North killed a 42-year-old Chicago pilot and narrowly missed the co-op grain elevators.

Judith Rayl escaped serious injury when a high-water barricade gate on South Meridian blew open and struck her car.

20 years ago

Kirk Royse of Valley Center was one of six University of Kansas seniors chosen to receive a Hilltopper Award presented by KU's Jayhawker yearbook.

Six Valley Center students earned medals at the Arkansas City Scholar's Bowl Tournament. They were Neil Marshall, Marcella Melton, Chris Clemence, Nick Sophy, Glen Davidson and Julia Galstad.

15 years ago

Wayne Hilburn was cast in the Wichita Community Theatre's simulated radio broadcast production of "It's a Wonderful Life." His voice characters were Mr. Potter, the evil banker; Clarence Oddbody, the guardian angel; and one of the announcers.

Brian Herr, son of Samuel and Pamela Herr of Valley Center, was a member of the Wichita State University rowing team. The team placed third in men's novice at the Head of Iowa competition.

10 years ago

Dan Alefs opened his new Harley-Davidson motorcycle dealership in Park City. Members of the Patriot Guard helped with the opening by raising the flag in front of the Roman-style building.

Electronic Tech. 3rd Class Aaron Thompson, son of Ron and Becky Thompson of Valley Center, completed naval nuclear power training.

5 years ago

The Ark Valley News publisher and owner Les Anderson passed away at age 62 on Nov. 12, 2011. Many people shared their memories of him with the paper.

Valley Center High School junior Leo Andrade was the recipient of the American Red Cross' 2011 Good Samaritan Hero Award for saving the life of a neighbor after running into a burning house and carrying her to safety.