January 17, 1947
• One of the latest photo-stat machines, for use in photographing records, has been purchased by the county for use in Recorder Albert Kelly’s office. Ultimately it will be used for a recording instrument, saving a lot of manual labor with pen or typewriter.
• The Cole Harmon automobile which was taken from the parking lot of the local sales pavilion Wednesday of last week was recovered at Columbus, Nebraska. Other than some tools missing, the car was in good shape.
• An excess of oil in the furnace at Paramount Theatre caused an explosion Monday afternoon, which practically wrecked the furnace and did other damage in the rear of the theatre. Raymond Derrossett, H.W. McCracken and daughter, Becky, were nearby when the explosion occurred, but none were hurt, although McCracken and his daughter were thrown some distance by the force of the blast.
January 13, 1972
• Mrs. Bessie L. Strange, 80, lifelong resident of Rock Port, died January 9 at the Fairfax Hospital. Daughter of Monte and Margaret (Harris) Huff, she was born September 18, 1891, in Rock Port. She married William Flowers Strange in 1907 and they had 15 children. At the time of her death, she left behind 102 descendants.
• A record 1,035 head of cattle and calves were sold at the Rock Port Sales Pavilion at their regular Wednesday sale. All cattle from the record breaking day were from the local area. No one now associated with the sales pavilion can remember a time when so many cattle went through the ring in one day.
• Gene Kerr is the new manager of the Blue Jay Bowl, taking over from James Fentiman.
• Additional electric generating engines at a cost of $402,237 were purchased from Fairbanks-Morse by the City of Rock Port. The new engines will generate 1450 kw each for a total 2900 kw which is 400 kw over the amount recommended by an earlier engineering study for the projected requirements of the city for the next 10 years.
• All the corridors in the Atchison County Courthouse are being painted bright, bright canary yellow by Lynath Wells. The corridors used to be dull shades, cream and brown, which got more and more so as the grime built up over the years so the new color is quite shocking.
January 9, 1997
• George Opp: The Man Who Broke Locks to Success – “On June 22, 1969, reporter Jim Lapham of the Kansas City Star published an article about a man from Rock Port. This man was millionaire George Opp, who at one time paid all the taxes for the citizens of Rock Port. Known for many generous acts and support for the community of Rock Port, the town dedicated a street in his honor. The motel he owned at one time still stands to this very day.” The article in its entirety followed.
• Chats: “Things are quiet around town and after moving, I’m brain dead. Our new neighbor here at the Mail office, Mercer’s Rock Port True Value Hardware®, is progressing and shooting for a spring opening.”
• The Rock Port Boys’ Basketball Team (the only 1A school) rose above Lathrop, Tarkio Academy, and LeBlond to win the Bishop LeBlond Holiday Tournament. Rock Port’s Dave Ketchens was named Most Valuable Player of LeBlond’s tournament. Ketchens had a total of 48 points, 20 rebounds, and 14 assists.
• Edward McKenney recently received his 50 year pin from the Rock Port Masonic Lodge.
• Harold Perry was honored with a retirement party at Mo Valley Agri Service December 31, 1996.
