A special election was held for the purpose of authorizing an additional $8000 in bonds to finance an extension of the newly laid mains. The bonds were approved by a majority of 178 to 35.

Early in 1917 a fire consumed the Milwaukee Road's wooden water tower and threatened to ignite the DeGraff grain elevator. Both of the chemical fire engines developed mechanical trouble. With the blaze out of control, a hose was connected to the untested water system. Although the tower contained only a few feet of water, the pressure was so great that three men were required to control the hose nozzle. The fire was easily extinguished, and the fire crew waxed ecstatic over the performance of their new ally.

The Wiltgen hotel became the first building to receive city water when it was connected to the mains on March 30, 1917.

Two water fountains were donated for installation on Main street by M. J. Carter and the Citizens State Bank. These thirst quenchers were located at the corners adjacent to the bank and Becker hardware store. They were installed every spring and removed prior to freezing weather in the fall.

The new water tank froze in the severe cold of late December, 1917, F. H. Beckman's steam engine was pressed into service to thaw the icy block. The riser pipe was tapped and the steam exhaust connected, quickly solving the problem. Unfortunately, this solution proved to be only temporary. The standing pipe required the services of a crew furnished by the installers. They worked for several weeks at insulating the riser to the tank. While the tower was out of service, Harry Bothel pumped water directly into the mains, twice each day, so residents could fill their containers.

This emergency measure provided but little pressure in the mains, and when Joseph Becker's residence caught fire, it was badly damaged despite the efforts of both chemical engine crews and a hastily formed bucket brigade.

There was a hotly contested municipal election in 1916 with the following candidates winning office: T. F. Schmitz, mayor; E. H. Anderson, treas.; J. E. Boyle, assessor; F. G. Winn, Dr. J. P. Schneberger, A. F. Dessel, I. H. DeGraff and Otto Gunderson, councilmen.

The town's finance committee reported receipts of $2719.21 and disbursements totaling $2681.98 for the 1915-1916 fiscal year. However, there were unpaid vouchers of $884.46, which may explain the interest in this election.

The public school teachers were: J. F. Gill, principal; Edna Haug, assist.; Ruth Loveth, donestic science; Loretto McGary, grammar; Siddie Fisher, primary; and Alida Gunderson. This was the first year of teaching at O. P. S. for Miss McGary; she was still employed at the school in 1954, the last year of this work. By far the longest record of any Ossian schoolteacher.

The graduates this year were; Beatrice Sand, Emma Heckman and Gerda Hanson.

De Sales graduated the following young people: Vivian Figge, Marcella Meyer, Savina Klisart, Orpha Holder, Marie Bach and Norma Cahill.

O. H. S. retained the loving cup for the 3rd consecutive year in the county declamatory contest. The winning orators were: Beatrice Sand and Gerda Hanson, dramatic; Frank Dessel and Selmer Hanson, oratorical; and Lloyd Holien and Emma Heckman, humorous.

The third annual banquet of the Ossian high school alumni was held at the Wiltgen Hotel with the Rev. Edwin Lee as toastmaster. Thirty one members attended. Mrs. Fred Figge was again elected alumni president; Mrs. H. P. Nicholson, vice president; Mrs. W. M. Allen, sec'y; and Carroll Bullard, treasurer.

A meeting of the four candidates for postmaster of Ossian was chaired by county Democratic Chairman Conover at the Calmar Hotel. Three candidates— A. C. Heck, T. F. Schmitz and J. E. Boyle—petitioned that the selection be determined by vote of Military twp.'s party members. But J. J. McManus demurred, explaining that since most of the township's Democrats were of German ancestry, he, a son of Erin, would be at a disadvantage.