Garden City Community College - Broncbuster Yearbook (Garden City, KS)

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-A-. 'MLM 'M 1986-1987 -State and local happenings- In Garden City we started the year with a visit from citizens of our sister city, Cuidad Quesada, in Costa Rica. The group was greeted by a celebration in Steven's Park, took in the sights, then departed one week later. Many companies suffered last year. Trailways requested to abandon most of its bus routes through Kansas but was rejected because of the convenience the buses gave our communities. After mon- ths of negotiations and pro- posals Sunflower Electric and city officials reached a concen- sus on a 26-month agreement. A multitude of local businesses closed. Some of those included Norris Drug, Meschkes, Mark II, Garnand Furniture, and after almost a year of going out of business sales and new owners, Fur- niture World finally closed its doors. St. Catherine Hospital became involved in an on- going battle with Halstead to develop a Hertzler Clinic in Garden City. Halstead officials found our city inadequate and began looking at Dodge City as a possibility. Last year Finney County topped the Kansas growth rate. The high rise in popula- tion caused some concern. The high school alone would have to house 1000 more students by 1990. Several attempts were made to solve this pro- blem. Some suggestions were to build on to the old school, create a middle school, or con- struct a completely new high school. Increased population put the crime rate in Garden City on the rise. Homocide cases multiplied. Residents fought it out in local bars, some arguements resulted in death. A killer was on the loose claiming the life of one 21-year old girl and leaving her body in a cornfield south of town. A 27-year old man was found dead at his home in Holcomb. Yet another victim was found slain in his Garden City home. A suspect was discovered, he fled, and was not found. As a result of brutal crimes being committed so frequent- ly, the death penalty was debated in the legislature. Those who argued against it pointed out that the bill would cost S50 million before one ex- ecution was carried out. Twinkles the elephant died on Oct. 30 after 17 years at Lee Richardson Zoo. She was 23 years old and in young adulthood for an elephant. Twinkles was in the process of being traded at the time of her death. Officials believed her death was caused by stress which resulted in a heart at- tack. Twinkles was replaced by two baby elephants named Moki and Chana. Among the hired, fired, and retired were Mike Hayden, Gary Dick, Gerald Moseman, Malcomb Obourn, Jim Phifer, Fred Brooks, and Dean Wiley. Mike Hayden became the new govoner of Kansas after a close battle with opponent Tom Docking, Gary Dick became a new commisioner for Garden Cityg and Gerald Moseman became the USD 457 superintendent when Jim Phifer resigned. A series of Garden City Telegram stories outlined the school districts reimbursment procedures that sent more than S100,000 through Phifer's hands during his 20-month stay here. Fred Brooks, editor of the Garden City Telegram since 1970, retired. July 1 marked the end of more than three decades with Deane Wiley as City Manager. Bills passed by our govern- ment included liquor by the drink, parimutuel betting, and a Kansas lottery. Construction dropped one- half of what it was in 1985. The former Fansler Tires Building was razed. And the remains of the Presbyterian church on 7th street, which was destroyed by fire two years ago, was still standing. The new church was built north of town and services were moved there in November. ln Review!State and Local News 129

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-manur- Mike Hayden wins the Govenor's race in November. M' Q5 City Manager Deane Wiley retires in July 1987. an-new Two baby elephants, Moki and The remains of the Presbyterian Chana, were purchased by Friends church on 7th street still stood, of the Zoo. They were to replace two years after the fire. Twinkles. 128 State and Local Newslln Review Gerald Moseman is selected as superintendent. Fansler Tires was among the businesses that closed during the year. The building was later torn down. Telegram photo Telegram Editor Fred Brooks retires in January 1987. Visitors from sister city Cuidad Quesada, Costa Rica gather in Steven's Park for a welcoming celebration. Telegram photo

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