125 years ago

June 17, 1892

What has become of the Murphy movement begun here some weeks ago? Many signed the pledge and put on the blue ribbon, an organization was perfected, and our most respectable and responsible citizens were put in charge, including the mayor as president? Has it flashed in the pan? Has it died without so much as an expiring groan?

The writer has made a little personal inquiry in regard to the matter and the answer received was that there are so many lodges and societies now that every evening of the week is occupied and there is no room or real use for another society. This would be of weight but for one consideration. Those whom the movement would benefit by a large majority do not belong to any of the various lodges or societies. They can find time to congregate in the saloons and poolrooms and no complaints heard that any other meeting is interfered with.

100 years ago

June 18, 1917

Red Cross Week, June 18-25, brings to Montesano and the valleys of its allied territory, an opportunity to demonstrate in a practical way the patriotism we have expressed on many occasions The city and territory surrounding must raise in the great drive the sum of $2,750. This amount should be oversubscribed in less than half the allotted time and Montesano’s debt to the nation faithfully acknowledged and paid.

The Red Cross is not a charity and in subscribing to the great fund of $100,000,000 to be raised next week in the nation we are simply paying a debt that we owe to our country. Your boy or your neighbor’s boy is going to have an active part in the great war. If he is wounded on the field of battle, you would give a great deal to know that he will be properly cared for. No nation on earth provides for the care of it’s wounded through government appropriations. This work is left entirely to the Red Cross.

If our boys are to be accompanied to France by modern base hospitals and ambulance corps, if they are to be picked up from the deadly trenches and “no man’s land” and their shot torn bodies patched up and the lads nursed back to health and strength, the Red Cross must have funds. Your dollars are needed to aid in this work. One hundred millions will not be any too much to spend in equipping our expeditionary forces with proper hospital facilities.

75 years ago

June 18, 1942

One hundred and twelve Montesano men reported to the city hall last Saturday and Sunday, in a survey made here to determine whether there is sufficient interest to form a unit of the state guard reserve in this community.

This response indicates that a unit will be formed here, according to Mayor Byles’ special committee appointed to investigate the proposal. The state adjutant general is being advised and steps will be initiated as soon as possible to conduct actual enlistment.

Most of those reporting in the survey expressed desire to join such a unit, if formed. While some may be eliminated because of conflicting activities, there is no doubt that sufficient will be available to form a platoon, it was said.

50 years ago

June 15, 1967

A mass meeting of residents east of Montesano in the area that would be served by the proposed sewer to Montesano’s new elementary school on Beacon Avenue East has been called by the city council for 8 o’clock next Tuesday, June 20, in the council chambers.

Residents in the Renton Addition and on Ballpark Hill would be included.

“We have a new lower-cost project to present, looking to the formation of a new guaranteed local improvement district,” said Mayor Lloyd Metke, “Because the school is expected to share in the cost, we will be able to cut costs to individual householders substantially. We want everyone to understand what is planned and we want their own opinions.”

An earlier proposal for an LID, which would have cost about $9 a front foot was turned down. The new proposal, with school participation, is expected to cost no more than $5.

Councilman Kenneth Roberts said the health factor is becoming acute in the growing area.

“Ultimately, a local improvement district will be forced by the health department,” he said.

The entire project, including laterals to serve a larger area, has been estimated to cost $57,000 of which the school would pay a substantial amount.

25 years ago

June 11, 1992

A petition with about 385 signatures from Hoquiam residents seeking more police protection sparked another discussion of Hoquiam’s police situation at this week’s city council meeting.

Signature collector Carole Richey said people living near her were robbed and she fears for other vulnerable residences. “I felt I should band with my neighbors,” she said.

Several other citizens also spoke of their concerns with the size of the Hoquiam Police Department. Budgetary constraints are causing staff problems for the department. A temporary plan to fill in some of the hours lost by the departure of an officer last year were approved recently, and hopes are that money will be found to add another permanent officer next year.

One resident said he knew of three recent residential robberies plus one at Levee Lumber and another at a store. He and another citizen said they’d be willing to pay more in taxes to get more protection.

“I want more protection for my little boy,” said one woman in an emotional presentation.

10 years ago

June 14, 2007

Thank you Montesano voters for passing the bond. On Thursday, June 6, the bonds to build a new Simpson Elementary were sold. A total of $9.75 million were sold at an interest rate of 4.33 percent. The money will be invested with the county on June 21. The remainder bonds will be sold at a later date. The work now begins!

A request for proposals went out to interested architects. An open house was held and eight firms came to get a better understanding of the school projects. Six firms followed through with applications.

We are currently putting together a school construction team that will assist in selecting the architect firm. This team will be representative of people who have expertise in areas such as safety, teaching, administrative, and special needs students.

Many people have requested to be on this team and it will be challenging to make a selection that is manageable.

We will do our very best to get everyone’s ideas to create a great facility for our students.

School Construction Corner: Dr. Marti Harruff