By Lucas Jagodzinski

100 Years Ago

Local furniture makers and manufacturers in the Midwest decided to gather in Stevens Point for their annual convention. The semi-annual convention of the Northwestern Case Goods Association (a group of furniture craftsmen from Wisconsin and Minnesota) was designated to be held in Stevens Point. The event brought experts in furniture making from all over the region.

Local officials showcased a new and improved snow plow designated to improve the ability of the city to keep roads safe. The plow was described as being able to handle snow banks as big as seven feet across. The demonstration included watching the plow sweep 13 miles of streets clean over the course of the day.

20 Years Ago

Construction began at the site of what was to become the Central Wisconsin Youth Sports Complex. The complex took its first steps toward becoming a reality on Nov. 21st as ground was broken and the foundational work of the building project started. Among the first phases of the complex that were scheduled for completion included a parking lot that could fit up to 232 vehicles, construction of the main building of the complex, and 4 modifiable soccer fields that could hold a max of 16 games at once. This portion of the project was projected to cost around $1.5 million. Every contractor slated to construct the complex was a local Stevens Point company.

The University of Wisconsin Stevens-Point Department of Theatre and Dance showcased the Charles Dickens classic “A Christmas Carol” in its winter theatrical performances. The play’s run lasted from Dec. 8th until Dec. 15th. This rendition of the holiday classic was the second time UWSP had chosen to perform the play in recent years. This version of the play promised to be more magical and more purposely scary as an attempt to make the payoff of the Scrooge’s change of heart feel more earned. Director Gary Olson added that he hoped that the play would “make you feel good and ready for the holiday season.”

10 Years Ago

A local family gained some notoriety with their victory in a National Boys and Girls Club competition held in Los Angeles. The Porters competed in the “Game Plan for The Mind, Body and Soul Challenge” and ended up winning the competition because of their significant lifestyle changes to become a healthier family as a whole. Their victory earned them a trip to the U.S. Olympic Training Facility in Colorado Springs, CO. Local Boys and Girls Club administrator Danielle Goska nominated the Porters for the event and said “They are a loving family and they put their heart and soul into everything they do, just like they did when participating in our Bike-A-Thon.”

A recent Hollywood movie featured a story written by the wife of a local resident. Born in Rosholt, Andy Lautenbach would go on to marry Kaui Hart Hemmings. Hemmings would later pen the book that would inspire the screenplay behind the George Clooney led film, “The Descendants.” Kaui and Andy were also given bit parts in the film. Kaui played Clooney’s assistant in the movie and even got a line of dialogue.

Andy was given a small non-speaking role. Both Kaui and Andy were invited to attend the premiere of the movie in Hollywood.