Good old days

125 years ago

December 24, 1886

A force of men, superintended by Capt. James Troupe, are at work on Log Cabin rapids near Almota putting in a crib.

A lack of public interest in the Uniontown library leaves it in a languishing condition with all the books stowed away undisturbed in the back room of their most popular saloon.

A bright comet is said to be traversing the heavens toward the northeast. It may be seen on a clear morning about 5 o’clock.

Thos. La Dow of Spokane Falls, the widely-known stage man, circulated among his Colfax friends last week. Tom informs us that he has discovered a ledge of white granite and is looking for a partner with capital.

100 years ago

December 22, 1911

Bonds of School District No. 94 to bear 5 1/2 per cent interest were sold to the state at par Monday by County Treasurer Duncan. The bond issue is for $1,500 for the purpose of building a new school house in the district west of Rock Lake. The state was the only bidder.

The Elberton band will give a concert on New Year’s night in the Woodman hall. After the concert the ladies of Snowball Circle Women of Woodcraft will serve lunch cafeteria style.

During the past four months 2000 barrels of flour have been shipped from the Electric Flour mill of Palouse to the orient and 1000 barrels more are waiting shipment. There seems to be a lack of ocean transportation facilities for handling the immense export trade this season.

Harold Wilkins has signed up with the Spokane Indians for a try-out next spring. Wilkins played second base with the Tekoa team last year and was the best all round man on the team.

75 years ago

December 18, 1936

Three hundred cotton character dolls and rag animals were received Wednesday morning at the local public welfare office in the courthouse for distribution to children in families of the needy in Whitman County. The toys were made in Spokane by WPA workers.

As soon as one of several women applicants have been certified as cook, hot lunches will be served at the Martha Washington school, under a WPA project. One of the school rooms has been completed for the purpose and proper equipment installed.

A new Plymouth automobile for the use of the county school superintendent has been purchased by the county from Colfax Garage.

Captured in Pullman as he was about to drive away from the curb, Charles C. Vanator, 26, Lewiston, was brought to the county jail here Wednesday, charged with the attempt to steal an automobile belonging to Pullman farmer Louie Hall.

50 years ago

December 21, 1961

Whitman County’s port commissioners are expected to adopt at their January meeting the comprehensive plan for development of Snake River ports - leaving roads as the No. 1 problem now facing farmers, businessmen and others who are interested in getting the most out of river development for this county.

The Old National bank of Spokane was successful bidder on the purchase of $150,000 in general obligation bonds being sold by the city to finance the flood control project. The bonds are to be paid off in 20 years.

The Palouse country was belted over the weekend by the tail of a blizzard and windstorm that isolated many parts of Eastern Washington but brought warm temperatures and rain to Whitman County, melting the blanket of snow and ice that had covered the area for several weeks. Many residents, especially in rural areas, turned to candlelight and fireplace heat as high winds ripped out power lines. Poor roads also caused the cancellation of meetings and Christmas programs all over the county.

The smokehouse adjoining the Garwood grocery burned at Malden Tuesday.

25 years ago

December 18, 1986

A community potluck dinner was Dec. 6 at Hooper’s Glenmore Hotel honoring the Hooper Post Office’s 100th year of service. Fern Branum, postmaster, introduced her leave replacement, Pat Morris. Alex McGregor gave a history of the Hooper post office and community. Sherman McGregor and Bill McGregor told of “tidbits” and “heresay” events of the post office when they were young.

The Binnard Building in Colfax, once the target for the wrecking ball, will undergo some improvements in the next few weeks in anticipation of leasing out at least three spaces within 60 to 90 days.

Lights have been added to the Whitman Community Hospital Memorial Christmas Tree as additional memorial donations are made. For every memorial gift, a light is added.

10 years ago

December 20, 2001

“You’re not getting my resignation - so there,” barked County Auditor Dave Repp after eavesdropping on the regularly scheduled commissioners meeting Monday when commissioners unanimously agreed Repp should submit his resignation effective Jan. 1.

Repp’s departure from commissioners’ room at the courthouse came after Chariman Greg Partch had requested the sheriff send deputies to remove him.

The call was made after Repp declined repeated requests to be seated in the room and follow the rules of order.

Commissioners had been reviewing a report from the State Auditor’s Office which detailed findings related to Repp’s use of public funds.

Specifically under scrutiny were county VISA credit card charges by the Auditor for professional designations/recognition and MBA degree studies for $3,313; reference materials for $794; hotel internet charges for $1,021, and cellular telephone charges for $632.

The kidnapped figurines of Rudolph and his girlfriend, Clarice, from the Whitman County Library have not been discovered and no further evidence was turned up during the two-week search.