Remember When

Excerpts from past Tracy newspapers Aug. 2, 1956 — Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Penke of this city announced today they have leased the Elaine Shop building and the latter part of this month will open a women’s apparel shop. Mrs. Penke for the past seven years has been employed at Rignell Hardware and Mr. Penke until recently was office manager of the Hess Motor Express office here. The shop will continue to bear the same name, Mrs. Penke said, and added that a complete line of women’s children’s and infants’ wear will be stocked in the new store. The building has been completely repaired since it was damaged by a fire five months ago.

Obituaries: Mrs. Emil Johnson

Aug. 4, 1966 — Dale Johnson, operator of Dale’s service station in this city, on Aug. 1st became owner of Floyd’s Mobil service station on Highway 14 in Walnut Grove. The station was closed early this week for cleaning and re-stocking, but Johnson hopes to have his franchise arrangements completed and be ready to open for business the latter part of the week. Floyd Knakmuhs was former operator of the Walnut Grove station.

Obituaries: Anna Nelson, Eva Bureau

July 29, 1976 — Miss Tracy Barb Silvernale of Currie came home Sunday with a sore right eye after appearing with Princess Marla Brock in the big Waterama Parade at Glen wood. The pair were sitting atop a convertible and the parade was ending when an Intoxicated man left the crowd, went up to the car and proceeded to introduce himself to the girls in a rather rough manner. “All I know was that he hit me In the eye, “ Barb said. The man apparently first pushed the princess aside, then struck Miss Tracy in attempting to embrace her. Maria was not injured. “It all happened so fast. I don’t know why he did it, “ Silvemale added. The incident didn’t last long as two nearby policemen escorted the man from the scene. “ I had a good time in spite of that,” Silvernale said.

Obituaries: Judith Witjes, Ernest Furan, Maynard Dahms

Aug. 6, 1986 — The 47th annual flower show sponsored by the United Methodist Women was held last week with theme “Mom’s Words of Wisdom.” About 350 people viewed 93 flower exhibits made by 28 adults and 5 children. Hail, high winds, and rain Tuesday night very possibly damaged many of the flowers, accounting for the least number of exhibits in many years, according to event sponsors. Gerald Engesser’s basket of “Gold Medal” roses won grand champion in the adult division. Sarah Flesner’s entry under “Another Nut will open. Another tree will grow” won grand champion in the children’s division. Door prize was won by Tom Walters.

Obituaries: Tamera Blegen, Derek Fowser, Merle Harbo, Adeline Solseth, Oliver Anderson, Sarah Hall

July 31, 1996 — Staff changes have been announced at the Tracy Insurance Agency. Dale Krog, agency for the past 28 years, is stepping down from most of his duties. Tom Rignell will succeed Krog. Krog will be “semi-retiring,” according to a letter sent to Tracy Insurance Agency customers this week. Krog will continue to handle the agency’s multi-peril crop insurance and crop-hail insurance, but will work fewer hours. Rignell will take over the management and service of the agency’s other policies and programs. Rignell, a 1971 Tracy High School graduate, has been manager of the American Family Agency in Tracy since 1987.

Obituaries: Bertha Leach, Phyllis Baumgartner, Earl Van Meeren, Reva Burt, Marie Ewy

Aug. 9, 2006 — The Tracy Area Public Schools and the City of Tracy have agreed to a new two-year lease for the use of Veterans’ Memorial Center gym and locker room facilities. Both the District 417 school board and the Tracy City Council approved the lease Monday night. As requested by the City of Tracy, the lease increases the school’s annual rental fee from $6,000 to $12,000. City leaders requested the increase to help offset increased utility costs. But the lease does not include the 10-year term the city had requested. The old lease expired July 1 of 2006.

Obituaries: Esther Kazmar, Kathryn Leversedge, Keith Slocomb

Aug. 3, 2016 — The Tracy Area Agriculture Education Council hosted an informal picnic for teacher Jason Kaare, and his wife, Kelly, to introduce the couple to local FFA students and families. The new FFA advisor has been a teacher in Marshall for the past four years. He indicated that he is looking forward to meeting local students and community residents. Jason and Kelly live on a farmstead near Balaton.

Obituaries: Betty Gordon