125 years ago
December 4, 1891
The Hull brothers team ran away Tuesday and tore the harness up somewhat but without damaging the wagon any to speak of. Sheriff Carter had a narrow escape from a collision with the runaway. He was just crossing the street with a team and buggy to drive in Swinson &Co.’s stable, when the team dashed by. If he had been a couple of lengths further ahead a collision could not have been avoided.
100 years ago
Dec. 1, 1916
Cap Russell, a man about 50 years of age, for whom a warrant was issued the first of the week, charging him with violating the liquor law by getting a second permit with the 20 day limit, appeared at the sheriff’s office Wednesday night and told Mr. Mathews he read in the papers that he was wanted and would like to know the truth about it. The sheriff produced the warrant. After a little figuring, Russell concluded he had broken the law and asked to be taken before a justice, where he pleaded guilty. The least fine that could be assessed, $50, was imposed. Russell didn’t have the money and so went to jail. He says he honestly thought the 20 days had expired.
75 years ago
Dec. 4, 1941
Monte Boy on National Broadcast
Jim Lougheed, who was recently promoted to specialist 5th class in the 28th school squadron, at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., was winner in a nationally broadcast radio program last Friday.
His award was a free long distance telephone call to the folks back home, so his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Lougheed, enjoyed an unexpected chat with their son.
“It was just like coming home on a furlough,” Jimmy writes.
Five boys were selected from the post to appear on the broadcast which went out over the NBC blue network from St. Louis at 6:30 p.m., Pacific Standard Time.
Jim’s first question was, “Where did General Lee and General Grant first shake hands after leaving West Point?” and he gave the correct answer, which was Jefferson Barracks.
Besides other questions, he hand to jump up and down, clap his hands and sing “You Are My Sunshine.”
“Boy, did I feel silly,” Jim says but he didn’t feel silly when it was announced that he was the winner.
His promotion “for soldierly qualities and attention to duty” was announced in orders just issued by Lieut. Col. Raymond R. Brown, commanding officer at Jefferson Barracks.
50 years ago
Dec. 1, 1966
Monte goes to the dogs
Montesano is literally going to the dogs. Or so it seems to our guardians of the law.
“They’re on the loose all over town,” says Police Chief Bruce Cartwright. “It’s really a bad scene.”
Officer Charlie Mero echoes his boss’ sentiments. “People are becoming very annoyed over the packs of dogs running at large. Some of them are up in arms. Something’s got to be done about it.”
As a matter of fact, Mero notes a case in point, indicating that something already has been done. And more fights involving neighbors, both in and out of court, may be expected.
According to police, Clifford Gibson of 132 River South may be the first of a number to take his complaint before a judge. He charged Pauline Alexander of 216 Marcy East with violation of City Ordinance 845 — “allowing a dog to run at large.”
Gibson convinced Monte’s officers that Mrs. Alexander’s pooch was leading other canines astray; i.e., through the Gibson property, shrubs, and flowerbeds included.
In court Tuesday afternoon, Police Judge Charles Clemons found the defendant guilty and imposed a fine of $10. Then the fine was suspended on condition that the Alexander dog be confined and a dog license purchased within a week.
The police have no money left in the treasury with which to fight the overwhelming odds of random dogs, Monte variety. It’s an expensive proposition to pick up strays and incarcerate them with the veterinarian in Elma, only to have many of them go unclaimed by their owners.
“We can’t afford the tab,” the chief confesses. “The ordinance states we must hold on to them for 72 hours before having them put to sleep. The whole situation is unpleasant.”
The police say the best thing for all concerned is for owners to control their hounds, especially those living close to schools and crowded neighborhoods. Such action can save fines, impoundment fees, frayed tempers and dogs’ lives.
25 years ago
Nov. 28, 1991
County timber sales set
The first county timber sale subject to new export restrictions will go on the auction block Dec. 20. County Forester Larry Smith got permission this week to sell two parcels with a total of about 2 million board feet.
They include a 41-acre site north of Hoquiam between the East and West forks of the Hoquiam River, and a 14-acre parcel at the Elk River.
The larger parcel contains hemlock trees about 90 years old. The non-export parcel is set at a minimum bid of $196 per 1,000 board feet. The other is expected to sell for a much higher price.
10 years ago
Nov. 30, 2006
McCleary and Satsop schools were among the few that were open Tuesday after snow fell Monday night around the Harbor like it was Christmas Eve.
McCleary and Satsop were two hours late as was Taholah. All other schools in the county were closed including Grays Harbor College and the preschool in McCleary.
It wasn’t Christmas, yet, but all that white stuff on the ground and dripping from the trees like a garland was a student’s delight.
A reported six inches of snow, or more, blanketed much of the area when folks woke up on Tuesday, plenty for snowmen, snow forts and lots of snow angels.
Or snow chairs, said one group of kids cavorting in a backyard in Montesano.
“We built a snow chair, but somebody destroyed it,” said 9-year-old Calle Douglass, a fourth-grader at Simpson Elementary in Montesano.
So just how did the young people feel about school being closed for snow?
“I think it’s a good opportunity to get homework done,” said Garrett Garten, 15, a Montesano High School freshman.
Note to Garrett’s teachers: He was outside enjoying the snow with his buddies on Montesano’s Sylvia Street when he said that. He was also wearing a Santa hat.
Called on his first comment, Garrett readily admitted, “It’s a great time to go outside and sled and walk around. This is the biggest snow that I’ve seen in years.”
From near drought conditions last summer, the Harbor moved toward a very wet autumn, with November likely breaking a number of rainfall records. Then the snow came but the arctic system was to be short-lived, according to the National Weather Service in Seattle, which was forecasting a little more snow for Wednesday and snow and rain that night. Temperatures were expected to moderate with highs in the 40s through Sunday.
