A bit more history of Highway 52

By Becky Hefel

After my article about Art Esmann’s history lesson on the building of Highway 52, I received a letter from Laura “Jerry” Beyer Tuecke. Jerry recounts the memories of her beloved father’s part in the path the highway would take. We thank her for sharing her fascinating memories with our readers.  Memories such as Art’s and Jerry’s bring our town’s history to life.

For some time I have thought that perhaps I should share some of my memories because I doubt that there is anyone still living who has any knowledge of these facts. After reading the interesting Art Esmann stories in a recent issue of The Press and a nice phone conversation with my old friend, we decided now is the time for me to do so.  We will both be ninety this summer and our memories are clear and sharp for which we are both very thankful.

Had a man not cut his hand – the town of Guttenberg might very well have become a ghost town. In the early 1930’s (I was a freshman in high school) – the construction of Lock and Dam #10 was just starting and talk of a new highway was flourishing. A crew of U.S. engineers were in town surveying for the possible new route of the proposed new highway.

One of the engineers cut his hand quite seriously and it required sutures. Several of his crew members escorted him to my dad’s office for medical attention.  My dad was Dr. A.E. Beyer, whose office was on the first floor of the home and office that he built about 1912, on what we called ‘Front Street,’ now River Park Drive and is the current home of Clyde and Adele Parker.

GMH plans LIVESTRONG support walk

on Tuesday, May 13, in Guttenberg

Local residents are invited to take part in a National LIVESTRONG Day event on Tuesday, May 13. Guttenberg Municipal Hospital is sponsoring a support walk that will begin at noon at the Guttenberg Area Veterans Memorial in Ingleside Park. Those taking part are asked to gather there at 11:30 a.m.

Participants will walk and show support for those people who are currently LIVING STRONG or who have battled the disease of cancer in the past - living and dead.

National Cancer Awareness Day is promoted by Lance Armstrong's LIVESTRONG Foundation. Yellow is the symbolic color for the national event, and everyone is invited to come to the local walk wearing that color, whether it be a shirt, jacket, ribbons, etc.

Participants can also elect to carry a yellow balloon or flat, both of which will be provided. "You are invited to print the name of a person you would like to support on your balloon or flag to be carried during the walk," say organizers.

This is not a fund-raising event, organizers emphasize. "We are opting to show support and raise awareness so that the battle against cancer becomes a national agenda item in the United States and the World," they say.

See complete story in this week's issue

Luncheon honors GMH volunteers

By Shelia Tomkins

Volunteers were honored by Guttenberg Municipal Hospital at the annual spring luncheon held Tuesday, April 29, at St. John's Lutheran Church hall in Guttenberg.

The 50 guests in attendance were welcomed by Connie Backes, GMH administrative assistant, followed by a thank you from Kim Gau, hospital CEO. Gau thanked the volunteers for exemplifying the luncheon's theme, "Volunteers are the Heart of the Community." She also shared information on the hospital's proposed expansion project. The Rev. Penny Hansel, a member of the GMH board of trustees, gave the prayer prior to the meal.

The guest speaker was Pat Matt of Elkader, who spoke on the life of the late Emma Big Bear, a Native American basket maker and local legend.

See complete story in this week's issue

Search continues for missing Garber man

The Clayton County Sheriff's Office is seeking information on the whereabouts of Lee Allan Rolfe, 48, of rural Garber. Lee was last seen near Garber on April 13.

Rolfe's vehicle was located at North Park Mall in Davenport on April 19. The Sheriff's office reports that Rolfe is on anti-depression medication.  He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a dark blue coat, brown stocking cap and white tennis. Rolfe has been entered into NCIC (National Crime Information Center) as a missing person and has been entered into the Missing Persons Information Clearinghouse.

Rolfe is described as is a white male, 48 years old, 5-ft. 9-in. and weighing 230 pounds. He has blue eyes and brown hair. Lee wears eyeglasses and has a tattoo of Yosemite Sam on his upper left arm.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Lee Rolfe is asked to contact your local law enforcement agency or the Clayton County Sheriff's Office at 563-245-2422. Callers may remain anonymous by calling the Clayton County TIP line at 563-245-1234.