Thursday, October 27, 1966 -- ISSUES WARNING ON RABIES IN WILD ANIMALS-- Dr. R.J. Taft, Staunton veterinarian, has submitted the following item which should be heeded by everyone:

"Health authorities have become increasingly alarmed about the tremendous increase of rabies in wild animals. The main culprit of these is the skunk.

"There have been incidences of pet skunks being purchased from pet shops, fur farms, and simply being found in the wilderness. Many of these died and were confirmed as rabies by laboratory diagnosis. Many people were exposed and had to receive anti-rabies vaccinations. Recently a small boy from one of the Dakota states, died of rabies after being bit by a skunk. In our vicinity, a farm dog died of rabies (laboratory confirmed) after attacking and killing a skunk a month previous to the time the dog showed clinical symptoms of rabies. The family received anti-rabies vaccination.

"Thirty-six cases of rabies were reported during July and August of this year. Twenty-four of these were skunks. This does not include the hundreds not even seen and died of rabies.

"May I urge the people of our area, if they see a skunk or raccoon wandering around in the daytime or nighttime seemingly in a daze or in any way acting unnatural, to shoot the animal and burn it on the spot. DO NOT PICK IT UP.

"Persons should be strongly discouraged from maintaining skunks as household pets."

Thursday, November 3, 1966 -- GRAND OPENING OF COX PHARMACY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY -- A two-page spread in this issue of the Star-Times announces the grand opening sale of the Cox Pharmacy, corner of Main and Union streets. This large advertisement lists hundreds of bargains in drug and sundry items. During the grand opening days, Friday and Saturday of this week, free souvenirs will be offered to ladies, men and children. On Saturday evening at 7:00 o'clock a number of valuable prizes will be given away to some lucky persons. Everyone is invited to call at the pharmacy and register, no purchase or other obligation being required..

James Cox, the new proprietor, took over the Menges Drug Store on September 1 of this year, and has made extensive preparations for this grand opening sale. He and his family came to Staunton from Pittsfield and have been well received in our community.

It will no doubt prove advantageous to all our readers to peruse the grand opening advertisement carefully.

LOCAL SCHOOL UNIT GETS TITLE I GRANT -- A communication from the office of the state superintendent of public instruction reports that the Staunton Community Unit School District No. 6 has received approval of a grant of $27,348.00 under Title I of the national elementary and secondary education act.

Title I programs include such subjects as remedial reading, arithmetic, teaching of English, shop skills for boys, counseling, physiological and health service.

INSTALL NEW MERCURY VAPOR STREET LIGHTS -- Men and equipment from Illinois Power Company have been installing mercury vapor lamps on the standards on Main Street. The change from the other type was authorized some time ago by the Staunton city council. These street lights will tend to give better illumination in the business district.

ALL AMERICAN RED HEADS TO BE HERE ON NOV. 22 -- Those colorful, sensational, and very exciting All American Red Heads basketball team are slated to be in Staunton on November 22. The Red Heads, queens of big time basketball and undisputed world champion women's basketball team will be appearing through the sponsorship of the PTA and Student Council.

The Red Heads will meet the "Staunton All Stars?" men's team. The game will be played by regulation men rules. Last season the Red Heads played 200 games, all against men teams. The Red Heads won 140 of these games.

They feature top girl basketball talent found anywhere, and "living it up on the court" has become their trade mark, and how they play the game has become their way of life.

The magic of the Red Heads at the gate makes this attraction great, and as always the Red Heads are drawing them through turnstiles in tremendous numbers. The sponsoring organizations are most pleased at being able to get this much sought after attraction to appear in Staunton.

Be sure and see Moore's fabulous Red Heads on Nov. 22 at the Staunton high school gym with game time at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $1.00 with children under 6 free. Tickets can be purchased at Fritz Rexall and Cox Pharmacy.

Thursday, November 10, 1966 -- OFFERS $50 REWARD -- Damage was done by vandals at Berg's Self-Service Car Wash early Sunday morning. The overhead door was torn down, beer cans were thrown about and silver paint was sprayed on the walls. Mr. Berg is offering a $50 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the vandals.

JAYCEES TO TAKE ON HOLIDAY LIGHTING PROJECT IN STAUNTON -- The local Jaycee Chapter voted to take over the holiday decoration project in the local business district in its entirety. In past years A.F. Link has assumed responsibility for this task, but this year asked for help. He will act as adviser to the Jaycees. Ray Duda was appointed chairman of the project, with a committee consisting of E.L. Treadway, Mel Duda, Gary Weidler, Ted Brashears and Bill Garrett.

INVOLVED IN AUTOMOBILE CRASH -- Mr. and Mrs. Michael D. Skertich and their 16-month-old daughter, Melissa of Springfield, were involved in a two-car crash over Lake Springfield. According to reports, the Skertich auto was headed north and collided with a car driven by Ellis D. McKain of Springfield, headed south. The McKain auto is said to have skidded into the northbound lane, resulting in the crash. McKain was reported as being seriously injured and taken to the intensive care unit at St. John's Hospital. Mr. and Mrs. Skertich were also treated at St. John;s for lacerations and released. Little Melissa, who suffered head bruises, remained for further treatment at the hospital, but her condition was not described as serious.

Mr. Skertich is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Mike Skertich of Staunton, and his wife is the former Marilyn Brauer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Brauer, Sr., also of this city.