Lightning strikes PR mill

10 Years Ago — 2008

Millard succeeds on field, in classroom

Temperatures in the 100’s were not enough to dissuade Bonnie Millard from defending her discus crown at the Big Sky Conference Championships, as her toss of 152-9 claimed the title, the fourth ever won by an Eagle. A PRLHS graduate, she has been selected by the Eastern Washington University as its Scholar-Athlete for May.

20 Years Ago — 1998

City’s water is safe to drink

While there is probably no way to convince some people, the quarterly public notices going out with residents’ water bills warning of potential for contamination of the water supply do not in fact mean Priest River’s water is unsafe to drink. The notices are a precaution, something the city is required to send out until all the new surface water treatment guidelines set by the federal government are met.

30 Years Ago — 1988

Long gone

The annual swimming lessons which take place at the Mudhole each summer will begin on Aug. 1 and run through Aug. 12. The lessons are given to those who are three years of age or older. Marie Duncan is the program coordinator; instructors this year are Mitze Brower, Dave Bauer, Tracie Byers, Stuart Duncan, Amy Lund and Holly Duncan.

40 Years Ago — 1978

Loggers Celebration set, with changes

Antique bi-planes will stage mock dogfights in the skies over Priest River during the Saturday parade of the Loggers Celebration in a recent update to the traditional festivities, according to Arlyn Duncan, celebration chairman. The outlook for two other favorite activities, the carnival and the raft races is doubtful. Carnivals are in rather short supply in these parts, according to Duncan. The raft races are also tentative, due to a lack of bodies to man the event. Duncan said the committee is trying to emphasize and enlarge upon the children’s and family activities held on Saturday afternoon at City Park.

50 Years Ago — 1968

In the wake of the Sundance Fire

Cavanaugh Bay — Thursday evening Margaret and Earl Smith had dinner with us (the DeNooys). Friday this reporter and Margaret accompanied Marilou DeNooy to the burned area and picked lots of Morrell mushrooms. It was fun and good exercise. Also picked some corals, which we ate the same evening — delicious!

60 Years Ago — 1958

Foresters plan Priest Lake trip

Idaho state officials will accompany about 100 foresters on a field trip through the Priest Lake State Forest this weekend, State Forester Roger Guernsey said. The state forestry department will sponsor the trip for the Inland Empire section of the Society of American Foresters. “The society has expressed interest in learning about the organization and we are delighted for this opportunity to show what we are doing and how, Guernsey said.

70 Years Ago — 1948

Maybe not enough residents

A delegation from Coolin called on the Bonner County Commissioners in the interest of a petition filed with the commissioners last week to incorporate the village of Coolin. There was some question as to whether the village has the 125 residents required by the law. The commissioners held the petition under advisement until another meeting is held in the village and a resident check is made.

80 Years Ago — 1938

Street work started

Work of scarifying the village of Priest River’s streets was started Tuesday morning, the work being done by James Carr. County road machinery is being used on the job. Seven blocks are to be included at this time. The streets are to be scarified and an asphalt mat laid upon them.

90 Years Ago — 1928

Lightning strikes Beardmore mill

Fire broke out about 10:30 at the Beardmore mill, caused by lightning striking at or near the electrical switch at the planing mill. Fortunately, the fire was noticed immediately after the bolt had struck and in a few minutes the help at hand had the fire extinguished, although not until the west end of the structure was badly scorched.

100 Years Ago — 1918

Priest Lake notes

Sam Byars has bought the steamer Papoose from Mose Fish and we understand he will make daily trips to all parts of the lake.

Bert Winslow has erected a two-story farm house on his ranch. Bert had a fine log house, but learned that it was on government ground, so was forced to build another, which has caused time, trouble and delay.