This Week in History - Dec. 21, 2023

100 Years Ago

All arrangements were completed last evening for Bonners Ferry’s first community Christmas program, which will be held on the courthouse lawn Monday evening, Dec. 24 at 8 o’clock.

Workmen for the Interstate Utilities Telephone Company removed all the company’s telephone poles on Main Street this week. The telephone cables and all electric light wires are now strung in the alleys east and west of Main Street.

A meeting of the people of Boundary County who are interested in a plan to establish a canning factory in Bonners Ferry is to be held at the courthouse Saturday evening, Dec. 22, when reports of various committees will be heard and definite plans settled upon.

50 Years Ago

Tim Foust poured in 16 points and pulled down 11 rebounds Friday night leading team scoring as the Badgers five downed Newport by a convincing 66-55 margin. Four other Badgers scored in double figures in the contest- Ed Rice, Dan Dinning, Paul Hill and Don Mackey.

Due to a sharp increase in the number of dog complaints, and dogs harassing children around schools, a stronger and more severe approach will have to be taken, according to Bill Bennett, dog catcher.

Loreen Ellersick, who has served in scouting work for over 15 years, has been named a recipient of this region’s highest honor, the Silver Fawn.

15 Years Ago

Valley View Elementary School custodian Phil Tritt has been the nighttime custodian for 15 years. Tritt will retire on Jan. 29 after working for Boundary County School District for 38 years.

City Councilman David Sims is expected to be named assistant city administrator. On Tuesday, he resigned from the Bonners Ferry City Council. Sims was elected in Nov. 2007. Sims’ father, Harold Sims, served as mayor of Bonners Ferry for 26 years.

Lillie Blackwell is giving up her “full-time job.” That’s because as director of Fry Healthcare Foundation Festival of Trees for eight years, it has involved a 12-month voluntary commitment. Blackwell, who since 2001 has overseen the Festival’s efforts to raise about $320,000 for the Boundary Community Hospital.

~Submitted by the Boundary County Museum