REMEMBER WHEN?

Jan. 7, 1969

Rumors were rampant about the existence of uranium in the western part of Fayette County between Flatonia and Smithville. Several reliable sources said a large carbide firm was reported to be buying leases, lending credence to earlier beliefs that uranium existed there. Another source, who wished to remain anonymous, said extensive core drilling and testing was expected to get underway shortly. Should ore be found in sufficient quantity, a processing or refining plant would likely be set up in the area. A sizable find of the material also would likely equate to a gigantic economic boost for Fayette County. Uranium was described as a hard, radioactive metallic chemical element used in the atomic energy program.

The first baby of 1969 born at Fayette Memorial Hospital was Vernon Ray Horelica Jr., the son of Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Horelica of La Grange. He made his debut at 10:34 p.m. on New Year’s Day, weighing eight pounds one ounce. Grandparents were Mr. and Mrs. John Ermis of La Grange and Steve Horelica of Garwood.

Erwin H. Francke was honored for 30 years with La Grange Drug Co. at a surprise dinner given by Mr. and Mrs. John F. Czichos Jr.at Cottonwood Inn on New Year’s night. Mrs. Czichos presented Mr. Francke with a gold wristwatch as a token of appreciation for his long years of service. It was in 1939 that Mr. Francke, along with John F. Czichos Sr., L. J. Sulak, John L. Sulak, Chas. Cmajdalka, E. S. Kovar, Geo. E. Adamcik and Jerry Janda organized La Grange Drug Co. In recent years, Mr. and Mrs. Czichos had purchased all the company’s stock. As of Jan. 1, Mr. Francke was retiring, but planned to continue working part-time. In attendance at the banquet were: Mrs. Francke, Dr. and Mrs. John C. Guenther, closely associated with the drug store and close friends of the Franckes, former stockholders and present and former employees and their husbands and wives, and several other guests. Dr. Guenther spoke briefly.

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