Days Gone By In Staunton

Thursday, July 24, 1975 -- Sharp Named Outstanding Young Alumnus -- State Representative John F. Sharp (D-East Alton) was honored Sunday, July 13, at SIU-E Alumni Day at Busch Memorial Stadium in St. Louis. In preliminary ceremonies of the Cardinal-Dodger game, Rep. Sharp was presented the award as outstanding young alumnus of the year. This award is presented to a Southern Illinois University graduate under 31 who has distinguished himself in community service and involvement.

Rep. Sharp earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from SIUE in 1967 and his Master of Science degree in 1969.

Sharp, serving his second term in the Illinois General Assembly, is the first SIUE graduate to be elected to the state legislature. He represents the 49th District, comprised of the counties of Calhoun, Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, Morgan, and Scott, as well as sections of Madison and Adams counties.

Before being elected to the legislature in 1972, Sharp was a teacher in the Bethalto School System.

Thursday, July 31, 1975 -- Staunton Man Turns Self In To County Sheriff -- Henry Muyleart, 49, of Staunton turned himself in to Macoupin County Sheriff's deputies Thursday morning, July 24, after a warrant was issued for his arrest Monday, July 21.

Macoupin County Circuit Judge Dennis Schwartz charged Muyleart with attempted murder, two counts of aggravated battery, one count of battery, one count of armed violence and one count of reckless conduct.

The charges stem from a fight at the Blue Haven Tavern In Staunton, during which Muyleart allegedly struck Dan Rhoades, 28, on the head with a microphone stand. According to officials at Barnes Hospital, St. Louis, Rhoades suffered a fractured skull.

A warrant has also been issued for the arrest of William Holmes of Granite City in connection with the fight.

DEVELOPMENT CONTINUES ON MCKAY ACRES AREA -- In an effort to promote the development and the beautification of the city of Staunton, 17 building lots have been developed west of McKay Acres First Plat, two blocks south of the Staunton school complex. These new lots, known as McKay Acres Second Plat, are a continuation of McKay Acres and constitute a westerly continuation of Miller Drive.

The just completed building lots are served by underground electric, natural gas, water and sewer. A hard surface road flanked by concrete curbs and gutters create an all weather road for permanent accessibility. The lots average 15,000 square feet in size, ranging from 13,000 to 21.000 square feet.

This new subdivision was planned and developed by the Macco Corporation, an Illinois not-for-profit corporation formed by Macoupin County Housing Authority for the purpose of serving potential home builders with quality lots at no profit to the developer. The City of Staunton has been a prime cooperator in the development, as has the Illinois State Office of Housing and Buildings.

McKay Acres Second Plat is the culmination of innovative planning on the part of the late Vincent J. McKay of Staunton and other members who served on the Macoupin County Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. The Housing Authority purchased a parcel of land in Staunton in the late 1950s from the Tillie Miller estate, this parcel later being subdivided into Miller Acres, McKay Acres First Plat and now McKay Acres Second Plat. Mr. McKay passed away while serving as chairman of the board and shortly before McKay Acres First Plat was finalized Robert L. McKay, president of S & L Motor Parts; vice chairman, Macoupin County Housing Authority, and vice president, Macco Corporation, has played a vital role in bringing this new development to his native city. Bids for the lot development were let in early spring, the successful bidder being Staunton Fuel and Material, Robert Mengelkamp, president. The work was done under the direction of Executive Director Elwood E. Steinmeyer of the Macoupin County Housing Authority and Macco Corporation and the engineering firm of John H. Crawford.

A preliminary sale of the lots will be held Monday, August 11, at 7 p.m. at the Public Housing Community Space located at the end of Kay Lane. Further details of lot sales will be published in an advertisement in the Star-Times. Executive Director Steinmeyer stated that the public is invited to drive out and look over these lots, and he is most willing to discuss them in detail with potential buyers who can contact him by meeting with him in his office at 501 West Nicholas Street in Carlinville.

Free Dance in City Parking Lot -- The Staunton Police Association will sponsor a free teenage dance on Friday, August 8, in the city parking lot in front of the police station. The dance will be held from 8 until 11:30 p.m., with music being provided by Tequila Sunset. The dance is open to the public for people of all ages.

Refreshments will be sold and no alcoholic beverages will be allowed on the premises.

The Police Association would like to thank the Staunton Merchants for their cooperation. A list of donors will appear in next weeks paper.

Break-in At Local Residence -- Intruders escaped with approximately $500 worth of stereo equipment and other items in a burglary last Tuesday night, July 22, at the Dennis Randle residence.

According to police, the burglars entered the home sometime between 10 p.m. Tuesday and 2:45 a.m. Wednesday, when the theft was discovered. Taken were record albums, a tape recorder, cassette player, speakers, clock radio, camera, binoculars and other items.