Bonner County History - March 13, 2025
Brought to you by the
Bonner County Historical
Society and Museum
611 S. Ella Ave., Sandpoint, Idaho, 83864
208-263-2344
50 Years Ago
Sandpoint News-Bulletin
March 13, 1975 – REED’S LIFE THREATENED
About 12:30 a.m. Friday, a telephone threat was made against the life of long-time Bonner County resident Clarence Reed, chairman of the Sandpoint Planning and Zoning Commission. The caller gave Reed a two-week deadline to table indefinitely consideration of the city’s proposed comprehensive plan and to resign as chairman of the commission or he would be killed. In an interview, Reed declined to comment on the incident, referring questions to the sheriff’s department. That department confirmed the matter is being investigated, but declined comment.
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YOUTH STRUCK
A Sandpoint youth escaped injury when he was struck by a pickup truck Wednesday on the corner of Pine and Fifth. According to Police Chief Abbott, Raymond Eric Opland, 6, dashed in front of the truck. The driver braked as soon as he saw the boy, but was unable to stop in time. Opland was taken to Bonner General Hospital, but was released when it was discovered that he was not injured.
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JENNESTAD PRIZE WINNERS
Jennestad Clothing Co. announced the prize winners of its recent 67th anniversary sale. First prize, a $50 gift certificate, went to Eleanor Moody, Ponderay; second prize to Dave Finkelnburg, Hope, $25 gift certificate; third prize, Frances McEwan, Sandpoint, $15 gift certificate; and fourth prize, Marty Lee Patrick, Sandpoint, $10 gift certificate.
75 Years Ago
Sandpoint News-Bulletin
March 13, 1950 – IT’S OFFICIAL - d’ IS DROPPED
The U.S. Board on Geographic Names has settled it. The official name of the lake famed for its scenery, gigantic rainbow trout and apparently endless supply of blueback salmon is spelled Lake Pend Oreille. The name is a contraction of the French phrase “pendant d’oreille,” meaning ear pendant, which is what the lake’s shape resembles. It has been variously spelled Pend d’Oreille, Ponderay, Pondera and Pend∙D∙Ray. An Irish man even called it Pond O’Reilly on one map. The board chose Pend Oreille as a compromise.
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NEW MIX PLANT PLANNED
Bargain Supplies announces a $50,000 transit mix plant for concrete at Fifth and Fir near Pack River Lumber’s machine shop. Two Willard transit mixers will deliver the concrete any place in Sandpoint and nearby communities. The Willard equipment is described as the fastest, least expensive method of handling aggregate ever developed and, being entirely mobile, it can be used anywhere. Bargain Supplies will use both local and Spokane aggregate when the plan goes into operation in about 10 days.
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ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCED
Mr. and Mrs. P.R. Bloom of Sagle announce the engagement of their daughter, Betty Jean, to Wayne E. Hawkins, son of Mr. and Mrs. Noel Hawkins, also of Sagle. An early summer wedding is planned.
For more information, visit the museum online at bonnercountyhistory.org.