10 Years Ago — 2008

Mill lays off second shift early

An untold number of workers are waking up this morning without a job after JD Lumber announced it was laying off is second shift, effective immediately. The mill, which prior to this round of layoffs employed more than 200 workers, announced early this month it was selling the company to Riley Creek Lumber and closing its doors for good in early October. The layoffs came as a result of sudden, dramatic and unexpected weather and market conditions in the lumber industry, the company said.

20 Years Ago — 1998

Festival was a berry lot of fun

What a perfect day for the Huckleberry Festival. A cool wind blowing around the heat of the sun. Everyone was happy to be outdoors, enjoying each other’s company and listening to the country music sound of the young fiddlers. Despite the shortage of huckleberries this year, the festival and its participants were in great spirits. There were booths filled with arts and crafts, books, toys and miscellaneous items. There was a large selection of chainsaw wood art, made into wild animals and other designs. There was a wonderful booth filled with iron designs of moose, bear and elk. Sonja Maloney took first place in the huckleberry bake-off. “She had the best upside down huckleberry cake I have ever tasted,” said Stan Simonik.

30 Years Ago — 1988

Construction continues

“We’re right on schedule.” With these words Clark Cowley, construction project manager for the school district, dispelled the rumors that have been running rampant around Priest River. Schools will start on Sept. 6. There will be no delay because of the construction.

40 Years Ago — 1978

City hires grant administrator

Bruce Vonada, of Vobeck and Associates, was hired to design and administer The HUD block grant by the Priest River City Council at Tuesday night’s meeting under the terms he specified in a two-page contract. Vonada would work as a full-time administrator to completely run the program.

50 Years Ago — 1968

Mysis shrimp planted

A number of Idaho lakes have recently received introductions of Mysis shrimp from Kootenay Lake in British Columbia. Upper Priest Lake received 100,000, the first introduction in that lake although the main Priest Lake has received one million shrimp over the last three years.

60 Years Ago — 1958

VFW team gets national recognition

The town team sponsored by Clarence F. Holland Post 2909, received national recognition in the September issue of V.F.W. Magazine, published by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. The team is pictured in the magazine with trophies they have won in recent years. In the photo are Coach Bud Robinson, Jimmy Krizenesky, LeRoy Brillon, Don Kramer, Jim Martin, Richie Moore, Earl Moore, Bob Pelleberg, Carl Nelson, Jim Low, and manager Vern Golden.

70 Years Ago — I948

New Times building coming

Construction started this week on the new building to house the Priest River Times. The pumice block building, 25 by 65, will be located across from the Roxy Theater.

80 Years Ago — 1938

Renovation for girls’ dormitory under way

Mr. and Mrs. Hal S. Fremming have bought the old Remmer place on Albeni Road and are now remodeling. The front has been changed and a new roof will be put on the building. The six rooms upstairs will be used as a dormitory for students attending the school here.

90 Years Ago — 1928

Taking flight

Paul Rapp, who has been receiving instruction at the Mamer School of Aviation in Spokane, made his first cross-country flight Aug. 6. He flew in company with another flyer from Spokane to Priest River, circled the town several times and then continued on to Sandpoint, returning to Spokane in the evening.

100 Years Ago — 1918

Awarded damages

Gus, Mike and Antonio Naccarato were awarded damages aggregating $890 for stock killed by railway locomotives in a suit brought against the Great Northern and tried in probate court before Judge Whitaker in Sandpoint. In their complaint they asked for damages totaling $1100. Allen P. Asher represented the plaintiffs.