In and Around Marshfield

25 YEARS AGO: Zookeeper Kathryn “Yoch” Yochis sought to create a natural habitat for prairie dogs at Marshfield’s Wildwood Zoo. She partnered with eight master gardeners, including Dorothy and Daniel Flees and Roger Schalow. Using native plants like butterfly weed and brown-eyed Susans, they transformed the exhibit in one day with help from local nurseries. The improved landscaping drew positive attention and marked the start of broader efforts to make the zoo more nature focused. | The Marshfield News-Herald became part of Gannett Co. Inc. following regulatory approval. The acquisition included 19 other dailies, including seven in Wisconsin. Publisher Bill Heath welcomed the change, noting Gannett’s commitment to journalism and regional development.
50 YEARS AGO: Marshfield Fire Capt. Robert Kult broke a few department rules to give young Craig Brooks a ride in a fire truck, but it was all part of a promise made two years ago when the Marshfield firefigher took Craig to Milwaukee for treatment of severe burns. Kult had promised Craig a ride in a fire truck when he recovered. | Armyworms by the millions, hungry and on the march, are rampaging through the fields in Central Wisconsin around the Marshfield area. This is the worst invasion since 1956 and could cause great losses to this year’s grain crops.
75 YEARS AGO: The Wood County Selective Service office here yesterday had its busiest day since it was announced last week that the government would start calling up men for the Armed Forces. Mrs. Mary Wilkie, clerk of the board, said that some 200 men registered or reported application changes throughout the day. | Observance of the 50th anniversary of the founding of a Methodist congregation in the town of Richfield is scheduled for Sunday. The golden jubilee service will be preceded by a dinner in the church dining hall.
100 YEARS AGO: The Marshfield Clinic purchased property on South Central Avenue for a site for a business building of its own. This property comprises the lot of the Mrs. Mary Klug estate at the corner of Seventh Street and the Swerdlow lot adjoining, with the buildings thereon. | The old exhibition building which has been torn down and will be superseded by a new, larger and more modern structure at a point a short distance farther south on the fairgrounds.
— North Wood County Historical Society