WPA project set to improve sidewalks
(Courtesy photo) Jack Waite Mine ore trucks are filled in this picture taken in the late 1930s. The trucks were owned by E.G. Smith.
10 Years Ago — 2009
Proceeds benefit
community
Sweets ‘n drinks is celebrating its sixth year and has raised over $7,000 for community projects in Priest River, Oldtown and Newport. The wine and beer tasting, male fashion show, and chocolate contest is sponsored by the Newport/Priest River Rotary Club and Soroptimist Club, and up until last year, the Newport Kiwanis. Thanks to the generosity of Dennis Napier and the Ranch Club, the afternoon event has kicked off the golf season at the Ranch Club.
20 Years Ago — 1999
Nelson top speller
Crystal Nelson of Priest River Elementary took top spelling honors in the third grade division at her school, then went on to take first place in the County Spelling Bee at Southside, and the Bi-County Bee at Bonners Ferry.
30 Years Ago — 1989
Former teacher arrested
Ron Nold, a former Priest River teacher, has been arrested in San Antonio, Texas, in connection with allegations of sexual misconduct. Five felony charges have been alleged by the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office. Nold allegedly fled the county on March 28. He resigned from teaching duties here on May 18, 1987.
40 Years Ago — 1979
Tire store in the works
Construction of the new Goodyear Tire Store near Priest River continues on schedule, according to Jim Holland of the Holland Construction Company. “We project a June 1 opening,” Holland said. “My brother Steve and I will manage the tire store while our father, Mack, will continue to operate the construction company.” The 4,600 square foot complex, located one mile west of Priest River, will also offer “complete undercarriage work,” Holland said.
50 Years Ago — 1969
Meet a business person
On Tuesday of this week, Kenneth R. Lobdell (Mr. Oil) marked the 17th anniversary of his arrival in Priest River. From Tonasket, Wash., he operated the Mobil station at Cedar and Montgomery until 1958, when he built his present Westbranch Truck Service station on Highway 57. He also owns the Kenco Auto Supply store downtown.
60 Years Ago — 1959
Clinic site deeded
Several months ago E. C. Olson gave his property on Main Street to the city to be used for a medical and dental clinic building. At a special city council meeting Monday night, the city deeded the property to the Kaniksu Clinic, Inc.
70 Years Ago — 1949
Informing England
The January 22 edition of Picture Post, a magazine published in London, England, devoted several pages to attractive pictures of logging operations on Priest Lake, also an accompanying news story on the logging industry.
80 Years Ago — 1939
Improving sidewalks
The one worthwhile project that was brought up and discussed at the village trustees meeting Monday was that of providing a WPA project in the building of sidewalks throughout the town. Many of the sidewalks on Main Street and in other parts of town need replacing. There are few sidewalks on the hill.
90 Years Ago — 1929
Victim of the Depression
In visiting Priest River last Saturday, several officials of the Pacific States Pulp and Paper Company, H. L. Copeland, president; L. E. VanWinkle, secretary; D. T. McBain, chief engineer; H. E. Fraser and A. T. Peterson, assured that preliminary work would be started this week on the surveying of one of the mill sites that has been definitely decided on. Exact location of the site is not known, except that it will be within the city limits.
100 Years Ago — 1919
Chooses Priest River
Paul Mears, recently returned from seven months duty in France as a member of the artillery corps, has decided to cast his lot in with Priest River and last week purchased the grocery department of his mother’s store and will hereafter endeavor to cater to the desires of our good housewives.