100 Years Ago — 1920

Nelson buys Laclede theater

Negotiations were closed last week whereby George M. Nelson, proprietor of the Rex Theater here became owner of the moving picture show at Laclede.

90 Years Ago — 1930

Rex installing talking equipment

Another step toward the complete modernizing of the Rex Theatre in Priest River will be taken in a few weeks with the installation of talking equipment, according to an announcement from Armand LeMay, manager.

80 Years Ago — 1940

Fire and ice reported

Fire broke out Sunday in the frame part of the Petersen Hotel on Main Street. It was thought for a time the fire department would be unable to save the structure.

A skating rink has been provided on the schoolhouse grounds and has been providing a lot of wholesome entertainment.

The work was done by the village with the assistance of the NYA.

70 Years Ago — 1950

Whirlpool freezes over

The Albeni Falls whirlpool froze over for the first time since 1929. Some of the crevices in the ice were 20-25 feet deep and it appears to be frozen solid.

60 Years Ago — 1960

Arrested on theft count

A 17-year-old Nordman youth is in the county jail in Sandpoint charged with theft of numerous articles and tools valued at several hundred dollars, Deputy Sheriff Mike Rose reported.

The loot was taken Jan. 10 to Jan. 12 from a jammer and caterpillar in the Priest Lake timber area one mile west of Nordman. The jammer and caterpillar belong to Gary Gregory, who reported the theft to officers.

50 Years Ago — 1970

Snow, wind slam area

There were few hot breakfasts eaten at Priest River Tuesday morning when residents awoke to dark, silent, and, in some cases, cold houses due to power outages on both PP&L and Northern Lights lines. It took only one look out the window to know there would be no school. Snow depth varied from 5-11 inches across the county. The wet, heavy snow loaded power lines and tree branches to the breaking point. Gusty winds completed the damage.

40 Years Ago — 1980

Pat got the rat but no photo

Irish luck didn’t hold up for Pat Killeen (Two Mouth Aussie). A rat got into the attic of his house and Pat’s wife, Elizabeth, kept at him until he promised to get rid of it. He loaded his gun, took vigil in the attic and drilled the rat. He showed it to Elizabeth. She encouraged him to take a picture to send back to Australia. Pat went to get his camera. The bullet had gone through the rat and smashed the camera beyond repair.

30 Years Ago — 1990

Business changes owners

The Priest River Coast to Coast store, located in the Timberline Center, has new owners. Mike and Diane Schaff took over ownership on Jan. 2 from Roger and Annie Gregory.

20 Years Ago — 2000

Chamber honors four

For the first time in the history of the award, the Priest River Chamber of Commerce bestowed the Citizen of the Year honor on more than one individual. Michelle Jurgensen and Kathy Eldenburg received the award for their joint efforts on behalf of many chamber projects and John Linch for his efforts on behalf recreation/tourism projects and grant writing.