Good Old Days

125 Years Ago

Colfax Gazette

Friday, January 15, 1897

DRASHER APPOINTED

After Four Years of Waiting Plum Falls In His Mouth

The New Board Organized, and “Shorty’s Appointment Approved – Officer’s Expenses

The new board of county commissioners consisting of Messrs. J. J. Stephens, from the first district, S.M. Davis, from the second district, and Charles N. Hinchcliff from the third district, met at one o’ clock p.m. on Monday, Jan. 11, 1897 (last Monday) and organized as a board by electing S. M. Davis chairman. The first matter brought before the board was that of the appointment of court house janitor and a superintendent for the county farm at Elberton. On motion, the hearing of these matters was set for the hours of 1 o’clock and 2 o’clock p.m. respectively on Wednesday, the 13th inst (last Wednesday.) The newly elected officers and those beginning their second term filed with the board for approval, their appointments of deputies and assistants. All appointments made were approved by the board without exception.

Giant Powder Explosion

Otto Dunn, living near Colfax, received news on Thursday that his father, Daniel Dunn had been dangerously injured several days ago by a premature giant powder explosion in his mine at Florence, Idaho, and that a physician had been sent for at Grangeville. Dan Dunn, with several parties for a year or more have been developing a quartz clain at Florence. They had driven a tunnel in the mountain over four hundred feet, and expected to strike the vein some time this month.

100 Years Ago

The Colfax Commoner

Friday, January 20, 1922

CENTRAL FERRY IS OUT OF COMMISSION

Floating Ice In Snake River Forces Boat to tie up

Floating ice in the Snake River forced the owners of the Central Ferry to tie up their boat the first of the week and as a result of this traffic over the road between Colfax and Walla Walla has ceased. This is the first time in a number of years that the ferry has been unable to cross the Snake River by floating ice. There is more ice in this river than there has been in the last eight years and unless the weather moderates soon, it will be some time before the boat will be able to navigate the stream.

COUNCILMEN LOWERS POLICEMEN’S PAY

Cut made in salaries of officers to amount to $10 each per month

The members of the city council Tuesday night reduced the salaries of the police officers of Colfax ten dollars each per month. Both of the officers that have been on duty at Colfax are veteran officers and they have guarded the city of Colfax for many years. During the last six or seven years there has not been a store broken into, there has not been a safe robbed nor a citizen sandbagged. Colfax is recognized by the crooks as a good place to stay away from. Colfax has been free from the crime wave that has swept other cities and the absence of crime can be traced directly to the efficiency of the officers. Night after night, alone and unassisted, Brooks Mackey has protected the property of the business houses from being broken into by thieves, and at the same time has kept the city free from visits of the confidence men, the sand bag men, the short arm artists and the midnight burglar.

75 Years Ago

From the Colfax Gazette-Commoner

Friday, January 17, 1947

Region is Covered by Heavy Snowfall

The coldest weather in more than four years came to the Colfax region in the past week, the government thermometer dropping to 13 below during Tuesday night. Marking the cold spell was a fall of 101 inches of new snow; giving the region a blanket of more than 12 inches. Roads have been slippery, but cautious driving has held the number of traffic mishaps to a minimum, the state patrol reporting no serious wrecks.

Discusses Welfare Problems of State

Human and social problems in the state were discussed Tuesday noon at the Kiwanis club luncheon by Conrad Langlitz, county welfare administrator. An increase in population of 260,000 since 1941, without a proportionate gain in opportunites to work has brought its social problems, said Mr. Langlitz.

50 Years Ago

Colfax Gazette

Friday, January 20, 1972

Hooper store reports money bag missing

A money bag containing $226 in cash and checks was reported missing Jan. 10 from the Hooper store, according to a report at the county sherrif’s office. Deputy Cleve Hunter said a door on the east side of the store was found unlocked but signs of forced entry were absent. The bag, which contained $182 in cash, had been left in its usual hiding place after the store closed for the weekend. Sarah Goude, store manager, found the bag missing when she prepared to open the store Jan.10. Accountant Jack Storey reported the theft.

Influenza totals 25

The disease report for Jan. 14 at the Whitman County health department included influenza 25, mumps 3, chickenpox 3, and malaria 1. Immunizations given at the Jan. 12 clinic included DPT 18, polio 16, measles 1, smallpox 3, and typhoid 2. One PPD skin test was administered.

25 Years Ago

Whitman County Gazette

Friday, January 23, 1997

Bulldog Coach Bob Bafus puts 600th win behind him

Coach Bob Bafus, who last years considered stepping aside after a not-too-successful hoop season, booked his 600th win Saturday night to join a group which includes just two other coaches in the state. Bafus, who plans to wrap a 40-year teaching career this year, was presented with the game ball and a “pink slip” after the game which was played before a packed house.

Proposed asphalt plant raising stink in Pullman

The possibilty of constructing an asphalt in Port of Whitman’s Pullman Industrial Park already has tenants at the park voicing concerns that the plant would upset the atmosphere there which presently caters to some of the county’s larger high-tech firms.

10 Years Ago

Whitman County Gazette

January 5, 2012

New Palousse Food Bank co-founder keeps cause close

A Food Bank has come to Palouse, and Annette Klover, its co-founder/director knows the cause first hand. Opening at the new community center on the fourth Wednesday of each month, the Palouse Food Bank was spearheaded in part by Klover. Her path to the effort stretches from Long Beach, Calif, through Clarkston, Asotin and finally Pullman and Palouse.

Student store opens at Jennings Elementary

The Bullpups School store opened last Thursday, January 12, in Jason Cooper’s special education classroom at Jennings Elementary in Colfax. At 11:25, Cooper’s door swung open and the first customer’s streamed in from the playground.