Bonner County History - Jan. 10, 2021
From the archives of the
Bonner County History Museum
611 S. Ella Ave., Sandpoint, Idaho, 83864
208-263-2344
50 Years Ago
Sandpoint News-Bulletin
Jan. 10, 1971 – JOINS COAST GUARD
Shaun David Gass, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Robert Gass, Sagle, has enlisted for four years in the U.S. Coast Guard. Gass, a former SHS student, will have nine weeks basic training at the USCG Recruit Training Center in Alameda, Calif., before being assigned to a Coast Guard ship or shore station.
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LEGISLATIVE BATTLE SHAPING UP
When the new legislature convenes Monday in Boise, the sharply-increased cost of Idaho public education will pose an explosive problem, which many think could be the key money issue of the 1971 session. With educators lobbying for increased spending and taxpayer groups calling for greater economy in public education, a major battle appears certain in the weeks ahead.
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WAGON BRIDGE INN OPENED
A historic landmark recalled by many older residents was tied to the future when the Wagon Bridge Inn opened yesterday. Bruce David, who also operates Don’s Drive Inn on First Ave., has been readying the former Southtown Cafe since October. Located on U.S. 95 at the south end of the long bridge, the Wagon Bridge Inn takes its name from the 1909 wagon bridge which first connected the north and south shores of the Pend Oreille river at Lake Pend Oreille’s outlet. The menu includes eight steak cuts, a captain’s plate, spaghetti and the broasted chicken that is so successful at Don’s Drive-Inn. Larry Topp is the cook; Bill Meek is the meat cutter and bartender.
100 Years Ago
Pend d’Oreille Review
Jan. 10, 1921 – NEW OFFICIALS MONDAY
New Bonner county officials take office Monday, state law providing for county officials to take their oaths the second Monday in January after their election. The new board of county commissioners will comprise H.L. Melder of Blanchard, the only holdover member; Albert Hagman, West Branch; and Ben Thompson, Colburn. William Kirkpatrick succeeds C.E. Spoor as sheriff, A.P. Asher becomes county attorney, Mrs. Jessie Hawkins-Tuck, county schools superintendent and Charles Tigglebeck, surveyor. Officials not mentioned succeed themselves in office.
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CITY BREVITIES
Sheriff Spoor is busy packing up at the jail to move tomorrow to his residence at 214 S. 2nd.
The Sandpoint schools have a Chinese pupil in the person of Poy Chun, 11 years old, who entered the first grade at the Farmin school after Christmas vacation. The lad is a son of the Chinese restaurant owner on Main street who moved from China to Seattle four months ago and came here the first of the year.
At the close of Monday’s city council meeting, Chief of Police Frank Bratton reported the destitution of a number of local families. He was referred to the Red Cross chapter which Tuesday undertook relief of the cases, being assisted in the work by Chief Bratton.
For more information, visit the museum online at bonnercountyhistory.org.