Frank Parsons constructs new building west of town
Clerks in white aprons and customers pose for a photograph inside a general store in the 1920s. According to Alberta Rice, the man on the right with his hands behind his back is Max Salesky.
10 Years Ago—2018
National Guard shovels roofs
West Bonner County School District officials reached out to helping hands extended by the National Guard and are holding on tight for more assistance. The group showed up on the roofs of Priest River Elementary School Thursday morning to aid in snow removal on the west end of Bonner County. Troops had been working since Saturday to help clear roofs in the Lake Pend Oreille School District. The Guard deployed 18 men to assist WBCSD at PRE.
Flooding concern is on the rise
As Bonner County copes with the fallout from winter storms, local and state emergency officials are bracing for the prospect of flooding caused by runoff.
90 Years Ago—1998
Mullaley talks inclusion
Debbie Mullaley, recent graduate of Partners in Policymaking, has been making her pitch for handicap accessibility and inclusion of the disabled to community members around town. Assisted by her husband, Mullaley presented her talk to the Priest River chamber of Commerce Tuesday.
20 Years Ago—1988
“Dirty dancing” ordinance shelved
It’s still safe to boogie your boxers in Oldtown. The city council voted Monday to continue a resolution tabling a proposed striptease ban for the city, putting it on hold indefinitely until Idaho courts decide how far the city can go to restrict such performances before it violates individual Constitutional rights.
30 Years Ago—1978
Senior center under construction
Happy Agers president Frank Chapin, Sr. received the first two contributions for the Senior Citizen Center, now under construction, at the senior dinner held at the River View Restaurant. Lucy Ropp, representing OANI, handed Mr. Chapin a check for $50 while Harold Robinson, treasurer of the Priest River Wildlife Federation, presented another check, also for $50. The completed structure will measure 32 feet by 68 feet.
40 Years Ago—1968
Truck accident blocks highway
A Hedlund Lumber Company truck en route to Sandpoint overturned just beyond the first curve of the rock cut at Thama Tuesday afternoon blocking traffic for almost two hours. Traffic was backed up all the way to Laclede while the highway was bring cleared.
50 Years Ago—1958
Parsons erects new building
Frank Parsons, Homelite chain saw dealer, has purchased a lot located at the “Y’ west of town on the Albany Highway from the Beardmore estate in a transaction closed the past week. Sale of the property was handled by the Don McInnis Agency. Parsons will erect a fine new building for his expanding business. Mr. Parsons will carry a full line of sporting goods including boats, outboards and cabin needs.
60 Years Ago—1948
Another new store for Priest River
William H. Whitcomb of Opportunity, Wash., formerly of Priest Lake, informs the Times that he will erect a $10,000 store building just south of the Hal Fremming residence. The new store (Trader Bill’s Trading Post), will handle general merchandise, both new and second hand.
70 Years ago—1938
Two voting precincts established
As provided by law, when a village polls over 500 votes, it is necessary to designate two voting precincts. The Bonner County Commissioners have divided the village. Voting for East precinct will continue at city hall and the West precinct will likely vote at the high school.
80 Years Ago—1928
Going Walkabout
Priest River has real hikers. Three ladies of our town started out for a walk and made it a journey. A change of weather for the better made it pleasant, so they kept on going until they arrived at Newport.
The hikers were Mrs. Sid Ragan, Mrs. Ray Ingham, and Mrs. E. E. Chapman. On account of the approach of evening when they arrived at Newport, they returned to Priest River on the evening train.
100 Years Ago—1918
Soliciting for women
Miss Ethel Slack and Mrs. Dick Mears had charge of the local Y.M.C.A. drive. The local apportionment to be raised was but $15, but the two women in three hours gathered in $38.60 for the work, which is designed to provide quarters and a better method of living for women engaged in war work.
—Compiled by
MARYLYN CORK