This Week in Odessa History

100 years ago

Nov. 26, 1920

The town caucus held Monday evening for the purpose of selecting candidates for a mayor, two councilmen and a town treasurer to be balloted upon at the regular election Tuesday, Dec. 7, was the quietest one ever seen here. This was not because there was a lack of attendance for there was a representative number of voters out, but evidently the matter had not been talked over before hand, and all had come with the intention of renominating Mayor H.C. Phillips, Councilmen J.C. Michaelsen and C.M. Smith and Treasurer Sol Reiman, all of whom had made splendid records in their work as city officials. Messrs. Phillips and Smith declined to have their names presented for re-election, so the choice of the caucus was J.C. Michaelsen for mayor, W.L. Smith and W.H. Luher, councilmen, and Sol Reimen, treasurer. As there is never a second ticket placed in the field here for the municipal elections, their nomination may be conceded election.

75 years ago

Nov. 29, 1945

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Schell of Ruff was the scene of a wedding Sunday afternoon, when their daughter, Darlene, became the bride of Lewis Kagele, with the Rev. M.J. Galle officiating at the double ring ceremony. Miss Betty Schell, sister of the bride, was maid of honor, and Norman Kagele was best man for his brother.

Members of the Odessa Lions Club, under the direction of Henry Schafer, committee chairman, assisted by A.A. King, have leveled off a large space at the school playground for use as an ice skating rink. Other members of the committee include J.C. Michaelsen, A.W. Jesset and Harry Hansen. The skating rink will be lighted for evening use. Present cold weather appears to insure a satisfactory skating surface.

50 years ago

Nov. 26, 1970.

Balmy fall days in eastern Washington came to an abrupt end over the weekend, culminating in a freezing rain here on Monday afternoon and evening. Brisk winds on Tuesday broke off the ice cover, however, forecasts for snow showers through the weekend may see more cover on the ground soon. One quarter to a half inch of ice accumulated as the freezing drizzle took place off and on throughout Monday. Highways, streets and sidewalks were treacherous. School bus runs were canceled Tuesday morning because of fog and icy conditions. School was in session, however, for children from the town and for those who drove in or were transported by their parents.

25 years ago

Nov. 23, 1995

Funeral services for Tim Suchland who died Nov. 18 at his home in Odessa were held Nov. 22 at Heritage United Church. Known to many friends as the Music Man, Tim suffered from ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. He was 46 years old. He provided his own sound system equipment for Deutschesfest, as well as for high school dances. He worked as an accountant for the Odessa Union Warehouse and had a side business called Pro Sights and Sounds Video in Odessa.

A benefit for Dixie Filion, undergoing radiation treatment for a brain tumor, was to be held Nov. 30 at the VFW Club. A dinner will be held and live entertainment has been scheduled. Free will offerings to help defray medical costs will be accepted.