Back when – February 14

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Back When looks back at local milestones and headlines, from the heartbreaking to the humorous and points in between. It appears Tuesdays on the Lifestyle page.

Feb. 14

In 1977, Southern Hancock School Board considered buying citizens band radios, or CBs, for its buses. Superintendent Gene Pruitt told board members recent harsh weather had created some situations in which drivers needed means to communicate from their buses. The board tabled the issue. “I hate to see the buses isolated,” said one board member, “but I really think CBs are kind of toys.”

Feb. 15

In 1969, volunteers braved temperatures in the 20s to move equipment and furniture into the new Mt. Vernon High School. Furnishings came from the old high school in Fortville and the former Christian church building that had housed some classes. Superintendent Emil Mills’ office was to move from McCordsville to a portable classroom next to the former MVHS building.

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Feb. 16

In 2008, New Palestine’s Kyle Ulrey won a state championship in wrestling, defeating Martinsville’s Brian Runyan in the 152-pound weight class.

In 2013, Greenfield-Central High School senior Josh Farrell and New Palestine High School freshman C.J. Red won state titles in wrestling at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Farrell won the 152-pound weight class, and Red won the 106-pound class. Each finished his season with a record of 48-0.

Feb. 17

In 1983, Greenfield Public Library Board presented its $1.3 million plan for a new library at the northwest corner of Broadway and Seventh streets. It was presented as a more streamlined plan, after a previous proposal had been turned down two years earlier by the State Board of Tax Commissioners.

Feb. 18

In 1957, a drawing at Jester’s Furniture Store determined which schools would decorate windows at which businesses in a Sectional Art Contest for the nine schools participating in the Greenfield boys basketball sectional. The pairings: Ace Hardware, McCordsville; Beagle Furniture, New Palestine; Bradley Hall, Franklin Township; Carr-Macs, Mt. Comfort; Danners, Charlottesville; P.N. Hirsch, Fortville; M.T. Jester, Greenfield; Pickett Hardware, Hancock Central; and Rody’s, Wilkinson. Greenfield won the contest.

Feb. 19

In 1997, consultants working on a land use plan for Greenfield urged officials to pay particular attention to the zoning of the intersection of Interstate 70 and State Road 9. “That’s the golden egg in terms of sustaining growth and development and broadening your tax base,” said one. “… If that is allowed to develop residentially, you’re going to lose a key revenue source.”

Feb. 20

In 2016, New Palestine High School wrestler Chad “C.J.” Red defeated Evansville Mater Dei’s Nick Lee by decision 6-5 to win the 132-pound state championship, his fourth state title. The win capped an undefeated high school career and brought his high school record to 183-0.