From the files of the June 14, 1984 edition of The Ellsworth Reporter.

136 YEARS AGO
June 12, 1884
The second annual commencements of the Ellsworth High School. The high school exercises came off at the Opera House last Friday evening, and was a complete success, in point of thoroughness in the graduating class, and in the interest manifested by the citizens of Ellsworth, by lending their presence, to the extent of packing the hall to its utmost capacity long before the hour had arrived for the performances to begin. Many turned out reluctantly, because of their inability to obtain even standing room. The stairway and pavements below were packed and as uncomfortably as they were situated, they waited there until the conclusion of the exercises, while in the hall the immense throng were on the “tip-toe,” of expectancy, as each part of the programme was passed over. The first essayist, Miss Lizzie Flanders, who presented the subject, “Clouds and their Shadows,” gave to the audience a production well worthy of the author, and showed such familiarity with the subject and demeanor on the stage, as would have done credit to one accustomed to appearing before large audiences. The subject of the other essay, “Make Hay while the Sun Shines,” by Miss Annie B. Cadwell, was treated in a manner, which at once demonstrated to the audience, the originality of thought of the author, and outlining the obstacles which appear in the pathway of life of every individual, and the proper way in which they may be overcome. It was an excellent production, and one in perfect keeping with the history of her own life, with a desire to obtain that which could not be given or taken away from her — a good education — and having no resources, but her own industry, determined will, and untiring energy. At the conclusion of each essay, bouquets, wreaths and crosses of flowers were showered upon the performers, which being collected by two little girls and placed before the ladies, they seemed in the midst of an Eden of flowers, so profuse were they in numbers. Their “school days now are over,” and they go out into the world to battle with life’s stern realities. The musical part of the programme was excellent in every particular. Prof. Canfield, of the University of Kansas, held the audience spellbound for one hour and a quarter in an address on “What Next?” Prof. Pickett presented the diplomas to the graduating class, in neat but appropriate language.   
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111 YEARS AGO
June 17, 1909
A majority of 135 voted Monday, June 7, to build a new county jail and sheriff’s residence for Ellsworth county. The vote on the manner of paying for it was 681 for a direct tax, and only 97 for a bond issue.
W.E. Sherriff has installed a new soda fountain in his drug store which certainly embodies all the elements of beauty, practical working ideas, and sanitary construction that modern ingenuity can devise. The whole is kept cold by its own refrigerating process. The refrigerators, two in number, are also in the counter. The fountain is all solid marble and German silver, making it absolutely hygienic and clean. The syrups used are all true and wholesome, free from preservatives and artificial coloring.    
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86 YEARS AGO
June 14, 1934
The Warner grocery store that for years operated in the building directly south of the old Citizens State bank building is no more. Jess Warner, who was operating the business for the estate, sold the stock of goods to an Abilene buyer and has closed up the building.
Local farmers have moved into their wheat fields with combines in several sections about Ellsworth and Kanopolis. The first wheat brought into Ellsworth tested slightly less than 60 pounds and was from the Frank Hochman farm, south of Ellsworth. The yield is estimated at from 12 to 13 bushels an acre.    
Claude Sparks purchased the Sinclair filling station from Lloyd Ogburn and took possession the first of the week. Claude Remley purchased the eating business from Will Trump, directly joining the filling station on the south.  
More than a thousand degrees and certificates were presented Monday evening at the 63rd annual commencement of the University of Kansas, Lawrence. Graduates from Ellsworth County were Phil Beatty, B.S. Ed. and Univ. Teach.; Samuel Brewster Bartlett, A.B.; Jack Theodore Silverwood, B.S., Business; Alfred J. Horejsi, M.D.; Laverne Ann Dolecek, certified nursing; Charles Leaman Vancura, LL.B.
Ice Cream Cones, 2 for 5 cents; Ladies House Dresses, 49 and 89 cents; Work shirts, heavy blue, each 69 cents; New shipment jewelry, choice 9 cents. Yeo’s Variety Store, Ellsworth.
Specials on used cars and trucks at M.L. Meek Motor Co., Ellsworth. Ford Model T Truck — $35.
The worst drought since 1911 is in full blast in the west half of Kansas, and while there is yet time to raise corn and feed crops if the drought should break, the shortage of water for stock, which is now affecting hundreds of farmers over the county is a condition that is becoming more serious every day. Not only is there a water shortage, but the excessive heat and dry weather have dried up the young grass in pastures where it had started.
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61 YEARS AGO
June 18, 1959
The curtain has risen upon the annual drama of the Kansas plains country entitled “Wheat Harvest.” Some estimates for the first grain harvested runs around 15 bushels per acre.
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46 YEARS AGO
June 13, 1974
For Charles Vopat, rural Wilson, the dairy business is “old hat.” Vopat, one of Ellsworth County’s last remaining dairy farmers, has been in the milk house since he was five. Vopat, his wife Lucy and their six children are presently milking a herd of 60 Holsteins.    
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41 YEARS AGO
June 14, 1979
An ordinance against spitting on sidewalks is still on the books in Ellsworth. Ordinance number 13-206 states: Any person who shall spit or expectorate upon any of the sidewalks of the city of Ellsworth, or throw, place or deposit any slops noxious, offensive or unclean waste thereon shall on conviction thereof be guilty of a misdemeanor. The ordinance was shortened from the original draft of 1902 that said the offender would have to pay not less that one dollar or more than twenty-five and would be jailed until the fine was paid.

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36 YEARS AGO
June 14, 1984
Michael D. Pflughoeft, Ellsworth, has filed as a Republican candidate for State Representative for the 105th district. He filed “by petition,” having obtained the signatures of over 150 registered Republican voters in support of his candidacy.
Pflughoeft, 32, said he had developed a particular interest in legislative issues through his recent work in helping to draft new state administrative regulations for Kansas nursing homes and hospitals.
“Legislative service would be a tremendous challenge.” Pflughoeft commented. “I have a great interest in meeting that challenge, and I feel I could do an excellent job in serving the people of the 105th district.”
Pflughoeft was raised in the Ellsworth area and has a background in farming. He graduated from Ellsworth High School and from the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy. He previously owned a drugstore for several years and is currently self-employed as a relief and consulting pharmacist.
He is a member of the Kansas Pharmacy Association and a Fellow of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists. He is a member of the Elks and Sons of the American Legion.
Pflughoeft and his wife, Toni, have a daughter, Mychel, age 10 months.