This Week in History - Jan. 25, 2024

Local history in Boundary County, from Naples to Porthill, and from Bonners Ferry to Moyie Springs.

Spreading the word

Derek Capenter returns home from Iraq

U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class Derek Carpenter on Monday, Nov. 10, will return to Bonners Ferry for the first time in more than three years.

History

History for November 24th, 2016 100 Year The body of Joe Dunn, the man who died at Kingsgate last Friday morning while trying to enter a refrigerator car was buried in the Bonners Ferry cemetery Monday afternoon. Coroner Reich held an inquest Saturday evening and an autopsy was held by Dr. E.E. Fry. The coroner’s jury brought in a verdict to the effect that Dunn’s death had been caused by pneumonia. From all present indications the project of reclaiming the Kootenai Valley of Idaho and British Columbia, which includes some 80,000 acres of rich bottom lands on both sides of the Kootenai river for a distance of some 60 miles, will soon be taken up again. While skating Sunday on the lake below town Miss Janie Rebenstroff was severely bitten by a dog belonging to George Causton. Eastport – A runaway boy from Bonners Ferry, was picked up here by the immigration officers last week. He was promptly returned to his parents. The basket ball team of the Bonners Ferry high school is rapidly getting in shape for the opening games of the season which will be played on December 7th, 8th and 9th at Libby, Eureka and Kalispell, Mont., respectively. The line-up of the team which will make the Montana trip will be as follows: Forwards, Stewart, Bond, Collins; center, Norton; guards, Luse and Thomsen. 50 Years Tuesday, Nov. 21, marked the opening of the Naples-Peterson hill section of Highway 2 and 95, and the Naples overpass. The eight-mile stretch of highway has been two years in the building with the costs listed as follows: grading, drainage and base materials, $1,400,000; paving, $425,000; and overpass, $460,000. The overpass is 730 feet long and 28 feet wide. The Boundary County TV Translator association today said the weak signal received last week was due to an icing condition on the antennas at Black mountain. Bob Myers and Clem Mostek went to the site and removed a four-inch ice coat to restore the signal. The association also stated: “We ask our cooperation. This also goes for the two non-members (free loaders) who were complaining about their poor TV reception from our translators on Black mountain.” A small but interested group of “old timers”, met at the courthouse last Thursday evening to further discuss the formation of a Boundary County historical society. Mrs. Goldie Brewer acted as chairman of the meeting and in the enthusiastic discussions which took place the groundwork was laid for the formation of an historical organization for the local community. Seen and Heard… Neil Howarth, Al Flory and LeRoy White not being recognized as they did the can can….. An ice skating rink at the fairgrounds show area will be forth-coming with the arrival of cold weather. Jaycees will flood the arena soon to establish a base and submerge existing sawdust and chips, then will sprinkle the ice with the first good freeze in hopes of providing a safe, well lighted place for residents to enjoy the almost-forgotten sport.

Walter Raymond (“Ray” or “Boomer”) Danly

Walter Raymond (“Ray” or “Boomer”) Danly passed away on July 22, 2019 surrounded by family at Kootenai Health Center at the age of 82. He was born in Berwyn, Illinois on June 26, 1937 to Karin (Svenonius) and Walter Raymond Danly. Ray attended Lions Township High School and continued his education at Augustana College where he played football for the Vikings. He served in the Navy aboard the destroyer USS Gainard as a Quartermaster. While in the Navy Ray rose from pollywog status to a shellback upon crossing the equator aboard ship and obtained a cross blessed by the Pope while in Rome. He married JoAnn DeLuca August 18, 1961 in Chicago, Illinois where his sons Eric and Greg were born. He worked for the family business, Danly Machine Corporation, and was transferred to San Jose, California as their west coast salesman where JoAnn and Ray were blessed with their third son Christopher James (“C.J.”). Ray spent time traveling the entire west coast and Canada for the family business. In his travels he hunted chucker with Jack O’Connor near Lewiston, Idaho. When he wasn’t traveling for work Ray and his family spent weekends camping, ultimately visiting most of the national parks in the west. While returning from Glacier National Park the family visited a log cabin gift shop called the Bighorn for sale in Yaak, British Columbia. Ray decided to escape the stress of his job and move his family to just across the Canadian border where they operated the Bighorn. The law enforcement profession called and Ray worked in U.S. Immigration at the Eastport border station between Idaho and B.C. Ray was hired as a police officer in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, and moved his family back to the States. The boys proved to be the usual “cop kids” as they reenacted some of the pranks Ray had described from his youth and masterminded a few of their own. Ray advanced to Assistant Chief before moving the family to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho where he took a job with the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department. At the Sheriff’s Department Ray worked his way to Administrative Sergeant where he gave the now-legendary “Boomer” briefings, which, like Ray himself, were not known for their brevity. Ray retired from the Sheriff’s Department in 2001. He renewed his Lutheran faith (his mother Karin was a staunch Swedish Lutheran), taught Sunday school, conducted jail ministries and volunteered for the NOSDA (No One Shall Die Alone) organization. Ray met his “Sweetie” Dawn Risley at church. Ray is survived by his sons Eric, Greg and C.J., and their wives Karen, Lynn and Bonnie, and seven grandchildren: Rhett, Casey, Cole, Hailey, Mackenzie, Zach and Samantha. In lieu of donations, because Ray loved his family so, he would encourage you to hug your family, tell them you love them and take them on a memorable family outing, perhaps enlivened by a good story or two. Or three. A memorial service for Ray will take place at Peace Lutheran Church, 8134 N. Meyer Rd., Post Falls, at 2 p.m. on August 9, 2019, followed by interment with military honors at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens, 7315 N. Government Way, Coeur d’Alene. Family and friends are invited to an informal gathering at the Toro Viejo Restaurant , 117 N. 2nd St., Coeur d’Alene at 5 p.m. Ray’s family is grateful for the care provided Ray by the Kootenai Health Center and the support of friends and neighbors at this difficult time. Rest in Peace Raymond. We cherish our memories of you.

Police Log - June 4, 2020

Boundary County Sheriff’s Office

County nets grant to improve broadband internet

BONNERS FERRY — Boundary County was recently notified by the Idaho Department of Commerce that 12 broadband internet projects submitted by the county under the Idaho Broadband grant program have been approved. Funding for the projects total more than $1.3 million, Andrew O’Neel, director of the Boundary County Office of Emergency Management and county public information officer, said in a press release.

Nadine Nystrom, 72

Beloved sister and dear friend, Nadine Nystrom, 72, went to be with her Lord Jesus after a short battle with cancer.  

Hazel Pearl Severson

Hazel Pearl Severson McGlocklin finished tending her worldly garden and went to be with her Lord on June 12, 2010.

No 4th fireworks in Bonners this year

Bonners Ferry will not host fireworks or a Fourth of July event this year.

Lower cost Passport Cards available to residents

By GWEN ALBERS

Sheriff's Log

Military mom thankful for son's safety

Susan Bauer feels blessed this Thanksgiving, yet can’t help feeling sorrow.

Stimulus money funds hazardous fuels reduction projects

Pat Warkentin finds comfort in a government-funded program that should help protect his Bonners Ferry home in case of a forest fire.

Stop by for a visit

This week’s memory is shared from some photos provided by Shelman Realty. Do you remember this place? Do you know where it is located? Do you have any memories you would like to share? If you have an answer, please email doyouremember@meadowcrk.com. If you would like to stay anonymous, just let us know.

This Week in History - March 16, 2023

Local history in Boundary County, from Naples to Porthill and From Bonners Ferry to Moyie Springs.

This Week in History — July 6, 2023

Local history in Boundary County, from Naples to Porthill and From Bonners Ferry to Moyie Springs.

This Week in History - May 25, 2023

The events, activities and meetings taking place in Boundary County over the coming week.

The Gaffield family, serving generationally

Both sides of the Gaffield family have served for generations across the U.S. military branches.

Robert (Bob) Dale Weakly

Robert (Bob) Dale Weakly passed away on February 1, 2021, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, at Boundary Community Hospital at the age of 88, due to complications from COPD.

Alfred Wallace Stevens, 82

Alfred Wallace Stevens, 82, passed away on July 16, 2007 at Bonner General Hospital in Sandpoint, Idaho. Vigil Service was held on July 22, 2007, at the Bonners Ferry Funeral Home.