The Rugby City Council agreed to establish a city recreation director position...A Rolette couple were stranded in their car following an ice storm for 10 hours before being rescued...A South Dakota crew began razing the former north-side Rugby water tower...And Radio Shack opened in the Ron Fossum Building on U.S. 2 West. These were some of the news stories making headlines in the Rugby area in December of 1977.

Here's a few more.

December 7, 1977—Gov. Art Link and other state dignitaries were in Rugby to dedicate the new lane of U.S. Highway 2 between Rugby and Leeds, signifying the continued expansion of the highway to four lanes. of traffic.

December 14, 1977—The American Agriculture Movement was scheduled to begin a nationwide strike to seek fair prices and fair profits after expenses. Its unknown just how many local farmers were going to participate in the strike which was a statement of rejection against the new government farm program.

December 21, 1977—Rain and snow caused ice to build up on power and telephone lines, knocking out power and communication service to a number of rural Pierce County residents for a considerable length of time. Some were without power for over a week. In addition to the power outages, over 150 residents in northeastern Pierce County and in northwestern Benson County, including the town of Knox were without telephone service for quite some time. An official with Rugby's Northwest Bell Telephone said over 200 telephone poles were down to the heavy snow and ice.

December 28, 1977—Rugby's boys basketball team began its 1977-78 campaign with a 42-39 win over Grafton. David M. Anderson scored 17 points to pace Rugby. David Stoxen added nine. The Panthers are coached by Bob Stenson.

Showing at the Lyric Theatre: A Bridge Too Far (James Caan, Michael Caine, Sean Connery)...Black Sunday (Robert Shaw)...A Piece of the Action (Bill Cosby, James Earl Jones)...The Chicken Chronicles

More news nuggets: A three-pound box of Russell Stover candy was selling for $3.25 at Baillie's Drug Store..A 12-inch Black and White TV was on sale for $89.88 at Rugby's Holiday Station...A Whirlpool washer and dryer set was $499 at Rugby Furniture...An eight ounce package of Philadelphia Cream Cheese was 1 cent at Rugby's Red Owl.

Person of Interest: This Bottineau native and physician was hired by the Rugby Johnson Clinic in December of 1977.

Last Answer: Al Nielsen