This week in history - May 20, 2021

100 Years Ago

E. L. Murray, who with his partner visited Bonners Ferry and many other towns of northern Idaho, eastern Washington and northern Montana about a year ago, selling Texas oil leases, were found guilty of grand larceny last week by a jury in the district court sitting at Kalispell, Montana, and was sentenced to not less than one and not more than two years in the Montana penitentiary.

Owing to the threatening high water conditions, the various committees in charge of plans for the observance of Memorial Day this year have decided to not attempt any special program.

Six applications from men seeking appointments as manager of the Water and Light plant under city ownership were received and after a careful consideration of all applications the council unanimously agreed upon H.H. Hughes of Chewelah, Wash.

50 Years Ago

Bonners Ferry High School’s Class of 1971, 98 strong, will receive diplomas in ceremonies at the sixty-third annual commencement ceremonies next Monday evening, May 24.

Mayor A.J. Baylon said this week that city councilmen plan to contact about eight property owners tonight in an attempt to secure right-of-way so paving of the South Hill can get underway.

Valley farmers, downtown residents, and merchants here sighed a breath of relief Saturday afternoon, May 15, as the Kootenai River “ran out of gas” and crested on the first raise at about 30.5 feet on the gauge at the end of Main Street.

15 Years Ago

The Idaho Public Health Association recently awarded Panhandle Health District nurse Paulette Ketner the Excellence in Public Health Award.

In a mirror finish to the regular season standings, the Bonners Ferry High School girls track team dominated the district meet and the boy’s team finished second.

The Boundary County Middle School boys and girls seventh grade track teams both claimed district titles May 11, beating 11 other teams.

Submitted by the Boundary County Museum