Our Town – Calhoun
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25 years ago
September 17, 1997
A tour of properties related to Federal Emergency Management Agency and Calhoun and Greene counties began at the former Bank of Calhoun building on Saturday, Sept. 13 with Congressman John Shimkus participating.
The group also looked at the former Hardin Ready Mix building located across the river in East Hardin.
Both of these buildings were in the buyout after the Flood of ’93. Both are still usable and are slated for demolition by FEMA as part of its hazard-mitigation plan.
Rep. Shimkus has introduced legislation to prevent FEMA from tearing down the buildings. The proposal would prevent owners from going to federal officials for money in the event of another flood.
“These buildings can be used for years to come or until another big flood. By using them, it will save the taxpayers money and there is no loss to the federal government by saving these buildings,” Shimkus stated about the bank and ready mix plant.
Demolition of these buildings will cost the taxpayers/federal government additional money. Early bid estimates on the bank building have been as high as $70,000-$80,000. This estimate does not include additional costs associated with removal and disposal of the demolished facilities. This option will cost taxpayers more money.
Legislation that Congressman Shimkus is seeking would (1) prevent the demolition of these buildings, (2) absolve the federal government from any future liabilities resulting from a flood and (3) require these buildings to be used only for public use and benefit only.
The owners of these businesses received their buyout payment and have since moved their operations elsewhere in Calhoun County. Both facilities are now vacant and in good working condition.
Plans for the former Bank of Calhoun building include using it as the new town hall or community center.
Officials plan to use the former ready mix plant as a garage for storage of highway trucks and equipment.
50 years ago
September 21, 1972
This was the way apples were picked in 1919 at the Abner Snider orchard. All but three of the crew have died but can you identify those in the picture? Two of these still living have recently celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary.
75 years ago
September 18, 1947
State’s Attorney J. Clark Anderson has received communications from the Missouri State Highway Department advising that they will approve any of the three proposed sites for the Golden Eagle bridge, and that they feel that the Illinois Highway Division should make the final selection of the site, as there will be more approach work to be done on the Illinois than the Missouri side.
The letter received by State’s Attorney Anderson was from V.W. Enslow, Bridge Engineer of the Missouri State Highway Department, and was addressed to Sverdrup and Parcel, consulting engineers of St. Louis, who are working on the bridge project.
To quote Mr. Enslow: “As revealed by the joint inspection made by representatives of your department and our’s on Aug. 15, there is much more of a problem in connection with this location in the Illinois side than that which is encountered on the Missouri side.
“Apparently there will be little difficulty involved in the construction on this side of the river, and while one of the three locations considered might have some preference, this preference will not be great and undoubtedly the location on the Illinois side will govern.
“We have asked Mr. Surman, Engineer of Design of the Illinois Department, on Aug. 18, to advise us of their findings as soon as they had completed their studies. To date, we have not received any further word from him regarding the matter.”
Apparently further progress on the Golden Eagle Bridge is being stalled in the Illinois Highway Division.
Some action in the near future would be appreciated by all of us who are interested in the bridge at Golden Eagle.
100 years ago
September 21, 1922
John Klaas and wife of near Batchtown were in Hardin Monday and signed papers whereby they became the owners of the 60 acre farm that they purchased from Joe Baker and wife.
The farm is located about four miles south of Batchtown and is considered to be one of the best all around farms in that section of the county.
The purchasing price was $6,300. The deal was made through Rev. F.M. Hedger of Batchtown.
