Voices from the Past

February 7, 1924

J. Jolly Arrested, Still Confiscated

John Jolly was taken completely by surprise about noon Friday when federal prohibition officers, assisted by civil officers, swooped down upon him and put him out of “business.” The “business” was the operation of a liquor distillery, contrary to law. The officers engaged in the raid were George Costello and Frank Welllover holding federal commissions; Sheriff Hi Farnum of Miles City, and Undersheriff Claude Anderson of Broadus who acted in the absence of Sheriff Warren.

Jolly submitted to arrest without any commotion and was placed in the custody of Anderson who had been given a 303 Savage rifle to use in case of necessity.

In the cellar the agents discovered a secret trap door covered with about six inches of fresh dirt. They were rewarded by finding the entire “spread” used in the manufacture of “moonshine” whiskey. Twelve quarts of the wet goods were confiscated and eight barrels of well fermented corn and barley mash were dumped over a small bank. The cellar was demolished by caving in the side and roof. One of the prohibition officers narrowly escaped getting buried by the earth when the work of destruction was in progress.

It is said that Jolly confessed his guilt to the officers and in addition told one of them he had $150 invested in the sugar used in the mash. The mash was about in prime condition to be put through the process of distillation. At the time the roads were muddy and it is said because of such conditions Jolly did not fear interference from officials.

At Miles City he was arraigned and placed under a $500 Federal bond. He was successful in raising this surety and expected home today or tomorrow. He is the father of seven children ranging in age up to 12 years.

February 11, 1949

Upland Game Birds Hit by Storm, Lack of Feed

Warren Linville, Deputy State Game Warden for Powder River and Carter Counties announced this week that special feeding of pheasants in the Otter Creek area began Monday.

Linville, after taking a survey of the game birds last week found that birds in that area needed immediate help if they were to survive and canvassed people in Broadus interested in game preservation for help. 27 donors have donated $46 and a sack of wheat to the special game feed fund at this time.

Linville said that he would probably begin feeding on the Dunning place on Otter Creek and would feed the birds wheat purchased with the funds donated. Feed will be purchased locally. Those wishing to donate may contact Linville at his office.

February 7, 1974

Hawk Wrestlers Go to Divisionals

The Broadus Hawk Wrestling Team, in quest of their fourth straight Class B Divisional championship title, will be in action February 8th and 9th at the Custer County Gymnasium in Miles City. Experience is the Hawk’s key this year, with seven seniors with outstanding records, four sophomores and a junior complete the team.

The Hawks are undefeated this year in dual competition and have exhibited strength in several invitational tournaments. Team members are: Ed Lockwood, Ken Kolka, Randy Trucano, Dennis Quaring, Andrew Portwine, Rusty Irion, Craig Mader, Lester Stradtman, Mike Perry, Fred Isaacs, Alfred Quiroz, and Mark Fraley.

Varsity Coach Arvid Grier notes, “We’ll be the favorites.” He also mentions that this contest will put pressure on the Hawks, but he concludes, “We’ll be ready.”

February 11, 1999

Mandy Fortner wins VFW Essay Contest

The theme of this year’s essay was “What Freedom Means to Me”.The rules required the essay's length to be 300 to 400 words. The judging criteria was based on theme development and clarity of ideas. The essays were judged by a VFW committee that was coordinated by Carole Barbero. Mandy’s winning essay will now advance to district competition. Second place winner was Tara Samuelson, third place Tonya Gardner. Other participants were Shannon Janssen, Jody Gay, Mindy VerWolf, Emily Scoles, and KayCee Gardner.

Multi- Purpose Building Policies

Members of the Multi Purpose Building committee Rod Schaffer, Carmen Turnbough, Phillip Fleming, and Lana Kay Smith met with the Commissioners at their request to review policies on use of the building and arena facilities and discuss maintenance needs. Commissioner Ray Traub reported that he had received input from parents of kids who thought the minimum of $15.00 was too much if they only used the arena for one hour. After discussion, the committee agreed to adopt the original proposal by Phillip Fleming of $5.00 per hour for a maximum of three hours. There was discussion of the problem of the use of the outdoor arena without payment of fees. The committee recommended locking gates or the lights or both. There was discussion about why the wash rack was locked except during the Fair. Commissioners said there was a problem with the drain being clogged with hoof trimmings when it was used for horseshoeing, so they authorized it to be locked. Suggestion was made to open it for use, but put up a sign stating “No Horseshoeing”.