Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies

The Lake County Leader, November 21, 1996 

R-r-ready or not … Winter blows in with roads clogged, schools shut down 

Lake County road superintendent of roads Bob Smith says he’s glad the blizzard at least hit during the week: While the storm that began Monday night caused more inconvenience to working residents here, weekends mean a lot more overtime for road crews.  

Tight budgets and roads clogged with snow don’t mix well, he added.  

Smith received many calls with residents wondering where the plows were, and not a few from those upset the plows had closed their driveways.  

“It’s really plugged up,” he said.  

The front, fueled by tropical moist air from Hawaii overriding cold Arctic air, dumped at least 10 inches of snow in 30 hours in several places, according to the National Weather Service in Missoula. The front passed through western Montana and cold air followed.  

The storm that came out of the west closed area schools Tuesday. The Montana Department of Transportation issued advisories recommending emergency travel only for the entire northwestern corner of Montana.  

But the kids enjoyed themselves. Bundled-up youngsters with sleds and toboggans could be seen throughout the area. People who make an extra buck plowing other folks’ drives and private roads didn’t seem to be complaining.  

While government functions continued, many offices were short personnel. By law, the courthouse must be kept open unless the governor declares an emergency and closes the county seat. Several people who were able to make it to work grumbled that because of the law, they would have had to take a day’s leave if they stayed home … 

Polson unveils holiday buttons 

POLSON — Kindergartner Logann Cox-Williams is this year’s winner of the Polson Chamber of Commerce’s second annual Holiday Button design contest and promotion.  

Logann’s design will be featured on holiday buttons now being made and scheduled to go on sale Monday, Nov. 25, at participating Polson stores.   

Each button will be numbered and used in cash drawing on Dec. 7, 14 and 21. Beginning Dec. 7, participating stories will also offer treasure hunts using the button numbers. Those who kept their buttons from last year should dig them out of the drawer, as they could be worth additional prizes.  

The cost of a button is $2, with proceeds going towards city Christmas decorations. To purchase one, look for the red posters advertising which chamber members have them for sale, or call the chamber office at 883-5969.  

For her winning button design, Logann, daughter of Don and Marla Williams of Polson, will get a rise in the Dec. 7 Parade of Lights with Santa at 5 p.m., and will also receive a $25 saving bond …  

New Polson senior bus a hit  

POLSON — The much awaited new mini-bus for the Polson Senior Center arrived Saturday, Nov. 16, operated by the center’s bus driver, Bert Currence.  

The bus has been a year in procurement through the State Board of Transportation and a Federal Capitol Assistance program. The mini-bus assures the continued successful program of service to local elderly citizens and those with disabilities.  

The new bus will seat 13 and is equipped with a wheelchair lift and special seating for the physically impaired.  

The bus is available for seniors or anyone with a disability needing transportation. (Call the Senior Center for scheduling and eligibility information).  

The bus is also essential to the center’s nutrition program, which serves lunch Monday through Friday as well as the Meals on Wheels on those days. This past year, a total of 7,700 meals were delivered to homes of participating seniors, with 8,500 projected for next year.  

The total cost of the new bus -including heating, air conditioning and a two-way radio - was $44,110. The Federal Capital Assistance Program paid 80 percent of this amount and the Polson Seniors Center paid the remaining 20 percent, made possible by generous donation to the Senior Citizen Bus Fund.