Voices From The Past

August 10, 1923

Ernest Waldusky Rescues Young Lady from Drowning

Ernest Waldusky rescued Miss Trueheart from drowning in the Powder River at Broadus Tuesday evening just before dark. She had attended the Ashland Roundup with Fred Russell and had made a detour with him via Custer’s Battlefield on the return trip. Arriving here in Russell’s Ford, they engaged Harry Lunn to tow the Ford across the river here. The water had raised and was two feet over the bottom of Lunn’s wagon. In midstream the wagon bogged in quicksand. The horses fell and the wagon more as a boat capsized. Miss Trueheart, who was riding with Lunn, was thrown into the water. Lunn was trying to save the girl and the horses at the same time and was in the midst of the confusion himself. Russell was in the Ford but before he could reach the young lady she had started to swim toward shore. Ernest Waldusky was horseback on the river’s bank when he noticed the predicament and diving in, reached the girl just as she was about to give up. She grasped the saddle strings and held on until safety was reached.

George Rue was walking across the bridge at the time and also hastened to the rescue but Waldusky had done the hero stunt ahead of him. Rue assisted Lunn in getting the horses and wagon out and then in getting the Ford across.

Miss Trueheart is a comely young lady of 19 who started to walk from coast to coast, leaving her home in Massachusetts. She arrived at Piniele a few weeks ago and has been a guest at the home of Mrs. Bruce. It is said that she now despairs of continuing her trip afoot and has recently acquired a pony to ride the remainder of her trip.

August 13, 1948

VFW is Enlarging

The Charles H. James Post No. 1595 of Broadus, Veterans of Foreign Wars building is continuing to grow according to the latest figures released from the local post.

A total of $350.00 has been donated to date towards the fund. The basement of the building on the proposed site on Lincoln Avenue was surveyed through the courtesy of Joe Dent, Sr. The digging of the basement was completed by Tom Williams with machinery donated by Powder River County.

Construction of the building is expected to begin within a week. Bob Nalley has been contracted to supervise the construction.

It is the intention of the post and its auxiliary to have a building that will suit the needs of the two organizations and also serve as a community center for recreation and relaxation. The post expressed appreciation to those who have donated to the fund and the building. A suitable monument to donors and builder will be erected within building upon its completion, members of the post announced.

August 13, 1998

Mudcats End Year with Awards

By Laura Lee Ullrich

Powder River Mudcats (Broadus American Legion Baseball Team) ended their year with a picnic and awards recently in Cottonwood Park.

Following a “building year” Coach Dwight Bender presented awards to the players and they were commended for their hard work, good attitudes and progress made as individuals and as a team. The team’s record was not indicative of the excellent job they did this past year.

Coach Bender recognized the following players: The Batting Champion Award was presented to Ryan Clark who ended the season with the highest average. The Defensive Player award was given to Brad Williams for his hustle and versatility. Nathan Perleberg was awarded Pitcher of the Year. Jason Coulter was named Power Man for the most RBI’s and plaques were presented to Matt Hagedorn and Nathan Perleberg for being the best practice players. Both players were at almost every practice and were at every game.

The most prestigious award, “The Joe Irion Award” is awarded to a player who is the best both on and off the field. This year’s recipient was Ryan Clark who, according to Coach Bender, exemplified good sportsmanship and coachability as well as a winning attitude. The other players were also singled out and given certificates. They included Ben Weber, who Coach Bender referred to as the heart and soul of the team. Doug Ullrich, who was referred to as an exceptional catcher turned into a great hitter, Ray Randall and Alex Shubert, who according to the coach were named the toughest kids in the League, and Matt Eustice, Ross Randall, Keegan Wilson, Dawson Dunning and Joe Clark who were Babe Ruth players who double rostered and really gave the Mudcats the boost they needed.

Coach Bender, who is leaving and moving to his native state of Nebraska, will be sorely missed by the Mudcat Organization. He was presented with a Mudcat shirt and an open invitation to return as the coach any time.

Special thanks were given to the scorekeepers and the umpires. Both Tom Emmons and Monty Fredrickson gave countless hours umping and donated most of their earnings back to the Mudcats. Without their generous support, we would not be able to continue.

Mudcats Board Members, Art Perleberg, Wanda Jamieson, Laura Lee Ullrich, Gary Alderman, Bob Hagedorn and Tracy Thomas were also thanked and recognized for their contribution. Jerry Coulter was recognized for the endless and selfless hours put into maintenance of the ball park.

The Mudcats were pleased to find out that they had been nominated for the State Sportsmanship Award, based on their positive attitudes and excellent sportsmanship.