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

Aug. 18, 1966 — SAMUELSON WINS

At a Republican party conference in Boise Monday preliminary plans were charted for an aggressive campaign for the entire state ticket, it was reported here Tuesday by Sen. Don Samuelson, the party’s candidate for governor.

The three-time Bonner county Senator scored a smashing victory over three-time Gov. Robert E. Smylie in the August primary. Samuelson said he is watching with interest the explanations advanced for what is termed a cross-over of Democrats into the Republican primary.

“I know this occurred,” he said. “Some of the cross-overs voted for my opponent and a great number voted for me. I was sure this was going to occur before the primary because in my campaign travels around the state, many Democrats told me they were going to vote the Republican ticket both in the primary and the general election.”

•••

SILVER STAR AWARDED

Silver Star is the latest decoration for former Sandpoint resident Capt. Harold A. Solberg who recently risked his life to rescue three fellow airmen in Vietnam. The Air Force officer had previously won the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Solberg was born in Sandpoint. He is the nephew of Mrs. Art Kalk and Mrs. Viola Reed, Sandpoint.

100 Years Ago

Pend d’Oreille Review

Aug. 18, 1916 — DIVISION NOT ALLOWED

This just about settles it for a time: “In the matter of the petition re the proposed new county of Lake: After due consideration of said petition and of requests for the withdrawal of signatures therefrom, it is ordered by the board of county commissioners of Bonner county, Idaho, that said petition be rejected and the prayer of the petitioners denied.”

•••

BRIDGE TO BE COMPLETED

C.A. Burnette of the Illinois Steel Bridge co. was in Priest River last week, looking at how river conditions would affect completion of the bridge across the Pend d’Oreille. Finding the water had reached a sufficiently low level to allow the resumption of work, Mr. Burnette promised to have things started this week and finish up the job as quickly as possible. As work is also being done on the road between the Presta and Mihills ranches, there is a prospect of the settlers south of the river having traffic facilities before long.

•••

WIND STORM BREAKS INSULATOR

The power was off this morning for about one and a half hours, after the wind storm during the night broke an insulator in the 1800 yard span across the Pend d’Oreille river at Newport. The steam plant here was got under way at once, so by 8:30 power was available from it. The Newport break was repaired by noon.

For more information, visit the museum online at www.bonnercountyhistory.org.