20 Years Ago — 2000

McManus performs at Career Day

Career Day 2000 was kicked off with a rousing speech by well-known author and humorist Pat McManus. McManus had the student body, as well as staff and featured professionals, in stitches throughout most of the hour-long keynote address.

30 Years Ago — 1990

Former athletic director assaulted

Former PRLHS athletic director Dave Uggetti was assaulted in an incident which resulted in the knifing death of a Granger High School student in Granger, Wash. Uggetti, who left Priest River in 1986 and is vice-principal at Granger High School, received minor injuries, along with the school’s principal. Another student was also wounded. The murdered student was the captain of the wrestling team and the injured student was co-captain. Four suspects are being held in the Yakima County Jail.

40 Years Ago — 1980

First style-show a success

Although the crowd ranged from young to old, both male and female, and consisted of over 100 participants, the spectators shared a common bond — enthusiasm over a new form of entertainment in Priest River. Reported to be the first of its kind, a fashion show was presented at Wyatt’s Village Kitchen at Rivertown Mall, sponsored by the Crystal Butterfly under management of Suzy Gardiner. The show featured 124 outfits and approximately 25 local models.

50 Years Ago — 1970

New Idaho First building opens

The new Priest River office of the Idaho First National bank will open for business Friday, May 8, at 215 East Albeni, with a ribbon cutting at 9:30 a.m. and open house afterward until 6 p.m.

60 Years Ago — 1960

Road to be completed

Bonner County has acquired the final parcel of right-of-way needed to complete a road connecting with Highway 41 leading in from the Blanchard community. The land purchased from Earl Merrifield lies at the south approach to the Pend Oreille River bridge at the foot of Wisconsin Street. The stretch will complete the secondary highway system and will give a good road connecting Blanchard and Priest River communities, Commissioner Jim Mickelson said.

70 Years Ago — 1950

County Board hires director

Kenneth Dean, Idaho’s school reorganization director, has been selected as administrator of Bonner County’s new class A District No. 82, effective July 1. The new county-wide district replaces the former 40 districts in the county.

Old-timer passes

Wallace O. Doolittle, 71, died April 28 at his home in Kirkland, Wash. He was born in 1879 in Woodville, Wis., and came to Sandpoint in 1906. In 1911 he moved with his family to Priest River, where he lived for approximately 20 year, working mostly as a camp foreman.

80 Years Ago — 1940

Band excellent, soloist superior

The Priest River High School chorus of 53 voices together with three soloists made a trip to Lewiston to take part in the annual music festival. The chorus took second place. Marjorie Gill, soprano soloist, sang “Villenella,” to receive the only superior given to a soprano soloist among eight or ten contestants.

90 Years Ago — 1930

Trapping good on Sand Creek

William Long, who has spent the last month trapping beaver on Sand Creek, returned to Priest River Monday and reports a catch of 32 beavers.

100 Years Ago — 1920

Predicts plenty of water

Ed Huot, who has a ranch 18 miles out on the Priest Lake road and on whose land Camp 13 is situated, was a visitor in town. Mr. Huot says there will be plenty of water to do the driving of the logs on Priest River this year.