80 Years Ago
Week of Friday, Nov. 16, 1945
NEWS OF OUR MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM
The following letter was received by Hilda Johnson from her brother, Pvt Ruben K. Johnson:
Camp Shelby, Miss.
Dear Sis,
Nov. 5, 1945
It’s just about 5:30 and I suppose you are in the barn milking now. I didn’t write you a letter last night so I guess I better write tonight. I didn’t get any mail yesterday and last night one of the boys came over so we sat and talked until just about midnight before he went home so I couldn’t have written any letters anyway. I got a lot of mail tonight. I got two letters from you and the Cashton Record.
I see Dean Amundson has been home too now. Did you see him? So Dad is all done with his plowing now. 1 bet he is glad. I had the day off today so I slept till about eight this morning -- a sleepy boy (ha-ha). One of my buddies and I went to town for awhile. We saw a pretty good show and I bought myself a wrist watch.
Well, I guess I better finish this letter now. Two of the boys came over here and we sat and talked for awhile. It’s about 8 now, so I guess it takes a long time to write a letter (ha-ha). It is pretty good and warm here now. Have you seen Herman Anderson yet? Well, this is getting to be a pretty long letter so I better close now and go to bed. Tell Mom and Dad hello.
Brother Ruben
Savall and Stefferud Buy Implement Firm
Melvin Savall and Christ Stefferud have purchased the John Deere implement business of William F. Vieth of Norwalk and are to take possession Jan. 2. Announcement of the transaction came as a complete surprise tr residents of the Cashton and Norwalk communities, because few knew that a deal was in the making.
Melvin has operated a farm a short distance west of Portland and Christ has been connected with the U.S. Army 6th Service Command Ordnance repair shop in La Crosse and is now working at Camp McCoy. Christ, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Stefferud of Rognstad ridge, lives at Rockland. Both are married men.
Bill Vieth has been a prominent figure in Norwalk civic affairs for many years and has been in the implement business 41 years. He represents Norwalk on the county board and has several farms which will keep him busy after he relinquishes possession of his business.
The Record takes this opportunity to wish the best of success to the firm of Savall and Stefferud when they go into business in January.
70 Years Ago
Week of Friday, Nov. 18, 1955
VERNON COUNTY CENSOR CEASES PUBLICATION
The Vernon County Censor, published weekly at Viroqua for 99 years, has ceased publication as a separate newspaper. George Hough, III, editor and publisher the last five years, has suspended publication to become managing editor of the Grant County Independent in Lancaster.
The Censor will appear weekly as part of the Vernon County Broadcaster.
60 Years Ago
Week of Friday, Nov. 19, 1965
Local Girl’s Husband Has Six Awards
2/Lt. James W. Frandy, 25, has returned home from Viet Nam with six awards earned over the last five months. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jack, W Frandy of Manitowish Waters, Wis.
He is married to the former Jean Erickson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Erickson of Cashton.
Lt. Frandy, stationed at Bien Hoa Air Base, served primarily as head intelligence officer for an F-100 super sabre squadron.
After his normal duties were completed, the young lieutenant would direct his and other unit’s aircraft to enemy targets. It was during these flights he earned the Air Force Air Medal for engaging in over 25 combat missions.
He also received the Vietnamese Valor Medal for a night-long fight in which he held off the VC from overrunning the Special Forces camp at Plei Me, and the Purple Heart when he received minor injuries during a strike mission.
In recognition for his outstanding performance, accomplishments, ability and attitude, his squadron has awarded him the coveted Air Force Commendation Medal, an award usually held for airmen of much more time in service.
Other medals bestowed upon Lt. Frandy are the expert marksmanship medal and the Vietnamese Service Medal.
Lt. Frandy received a bachelor of science degree in biology from Superior State university in 1964 and entered the Air Force the same year.
He received his commission in the ROTC in 1964. His last as-signment, before Viet Nam was at Lowry AFB, Colo.
