20 Years Ago — 2000

Lost hunters found

Two hunters reported missing north of Upper Priest Lake were found by Search and Rescue volunteers Saturday. Jeffrey E. Gedeon, 34, of Priest River and hunting partner, Eddy Harold Easley, 30, were found walking on a ridge above Cedar Creek about 2 p.m. The par was reported missing Friday about 5 a.m.

30 Years Ago — 1990

Band sweeps awards

The Kearbeys and Country Fever Band recently swept the “Moms’ Country Music Awards in Spokane: Denny Kearby, Mickey Kearbey, Casey Pomerinke, Dave Teeter, and Tim Pomerinke.

40 Years Ago — 1980

Kearby does well at program

After a whirlwind week and competition, Casey Dawn Kearby, Priest River, was named first runner-up in Idaho’s 1981 Junior Miss program, which concluded Saturday at the University of Idaho.

50 Years Ago — 1970

PTA studies drug issue

A lively discussion followed Deputy Howard Scott’s program and film on drug abuse Monday at PTA, with a larger than usual crowd of 84 persons attending. Everyone had an opportunity to acquaint themselves with common and not-so-common drugs being abused on the streets.

60 Years ago — 1960

Estes book completed

The Rev. James F. Estes, a former pastor at both Priest Lake and Priest River, has completed a book to be published next year. “Priest Lake — Collector’s Edition” is the story of Priest Lake’s history, people, and pioneers.

70 Years Ago — 1950

Shingle mill leveled

Fire of undetermined origin Saturday night destroyed the West Branch Shingle Mill, about 4 miles north of Priest River on Highway 57. It was discovered at 11:30 p.m. by Jim Linton Sr.

Local firemen responded with the two fire trucks, but the fire had gained such headway that they were unable to save the mill. However, they were successful in preventing the fire from spreading to an adjacent storage shed filled with shingles.

Fire Chief Van Vleet stated that only one tier of shingles in the shed was damaged by the blaze. Owners of the mill are Joe Bombino, Phil Naccarato, and Frank Saccomanno.

80 Years Ago — 1940

Season's first snowball strikes area

The first snowfall of the season struck this section and about 3 inches fell — much more on the mountain tops. Skating is now being enjoyed by many on Keyser’s Slough.

90 Years Ago — 1930

Wanted: a fine deer

Wanted: Someone to tie a fine deer in a stanchion, a doe preferred. Notify Leonard Brown. If he has another attack of buck ague and can’t get his gun loaded, he will milk the darned thing until someone comes along and shoots it for him.

100 Years ago — 1920

Wage cut announced

A general wage reduction went into effect in the local logging camps yesterday when the men in the Humbird and Dalkena camps were notified of a reduction of $20 a month in their wages. In the camps operated by Charles Beardmore, a reduction of 80 cents a day was made.