Jan. 7
In 1970, a Charlottesville automobile repair shop burned to the ground in an explosion. “We got there within minutes and watched as those gas tanks exploded and shot through the roof of the building,” Jackson Blue River Assistant Fire Chief Roscoe Wooten said. “”We couldn’t even get close enough to pour one drop of water on it, that’s how fast those gas tanks were blowing up.”
In 2015, Southern Hancock observed its first elearning day, using online lessons on student devices to avoid having to make up a snow day.
Jan. 8
In 1992, developers of Valley Brook Village petitioned the town of Cumberland for annexation.
Jan. 9
In 1996, Andrew Childers, 17, of Willow Branch was stabbed to death during an argument. Joe Gossage of Fountaintown, 17 at the time of the stabbing, was sentenced in March 1997 to 30 years in prison for his part in the death. Willow Branch teen Shannon Keene pleaded guilty to aiding aggravated battery and was sentenced in March 1997 to 8½ years in prison, 4½ of them suspended, for his role.
Jan. 10
In 1957, police arrested a 20-year-old Wilkinson man on charges of disorderly conduct and public intoxication after an argument at the Hancock County basketball tournament.
Jan. 11
In 1957, Congressman Ralph Harvey confirmed that New Palestine would have a new post office, to be built on Bittner Road.
Jan. 12
In 1965, the Daily Reporter noted that the Federal Communications Commission had approved the sale of Greenfield radio station WSMJ to WPBF Inc. of Middletown, Ohio, for $42,500.
Jan. 13
In 1937, heavy rains washed out a bridge over Nameless Creek, a mile south of the Westland School. The Greenfield fire pumper pumped water out of the basement of the Columbia hotel.
