PIONEER PORTRAITS

Ten Years Ago

January16, 2003

The Blue Mountain Humane Society recently provided an update to the city council on the animal control activities for Waitsburg, since accepting the contract in June, 2001. Dur- ing this 18 month period BMHS responded to 66 complaints from city residents. This includes eight reports of aggressive behavior, four bites, nine reports of neglect, 14 reports of nui- sance behavior and 26 stray animals. Animal control Officer Cindy Harris said she has "really enjoyed her visits to Waits- burg and have met some wonderful people over the last year." Harris reported that several "neglect cases" were greatly improved to the benefit of the animals, with the three being surrendered to the shelter and that four potentially dangerous dogs have been permanently removed from Waitsburg. One of the biggest challenges Harris faced this past year was the cat over- population, caused by people feeding stray cats, in several Waitsburg neighborhoods. In one area 29 cats were trapped and taken to the shelter and across town in another area 16 sick and feral cats, that had been a problem for years, were successfully removed.

Twenty-Five Years Ago

January 14, 1988

The Waitsburg Ambulance Board, in its annual meeting, appointed Jack McCaw to take the place of long-time board member King Witt who submitted his resignation this week. King, who was a charter member of the board when it was formed on January 12, 1970, has served 18 years, three of the first years as President of the Board. The board voted to retain the Hubbard Law Offices as legal counsel. The board met shortly before the annual meeting to consider a change in the by-laws, clarifying who could vote for board members. During the annual meeting, Roy Leid and Dr. S.R. Hevel were nominated for another four-year term on the board, and were elected unanimously by the 43 persons in the audience. President Jack Otterson was returned to that office for another year. Under the by-laws of the ambulance service, the board selects from its number a president, vice-president and secretary-treasurer. Joan Hays has served as secretary- treasurer since the inception of the service. Glynn Davis has served as vice-president since 1984. The board voted to accept the MPD suggestion protocol for the dispatcher, Doro- thy Donnelly, and Roy Leid said he would check into obtain- ing liability insurance to cover the dispatcher in case of any lawsuits. Glynn Davis will serve as liason between the board and John Payne, who is president of personnel, EMT's and drivers. Jack Otterson met with Dr. Brown and Dr. Pittman on January 12 to begin working out the details to settle the conflict and begin the program suggested in the doctor audit.

Fifty Years Ago

January 18, 1963

Dan Jones won top honors in a FFA speech contest held on the high school auditorium Friday, Jan. 11. Contestants were Jim Wood, Wes Leid, Dan Jones, Stan Pearson, john Towers, Steve Witt, and Jerry Wood. Waitsburg City Council is still looking for a suitable site for a new garbage disposal fill. Three members of the council met with Dayton last week to see if a joint disposal might be arranged. Odako Club has decided to erect street signs on Coppei Avenue and Main Street. A food sale will be held at Mock's Electric on Feb. 1 to further the project.

Seventy-Five Years Ago

January 21, 1938

With buttercups and violets in bloom, and some of the earlier shrubs in the lawns about town leafing out, a severe cold snap would surely make thing "pop". The Touchet Grange and the McKay Grange are talking seriously of consolidation. Waitsburg Grange No. 1 was organized here in Waitsburg, Washington Territory in August 28, 1873 then later disbanded. Claude Hand, Jr. of the Safeway Stores, of this city is a member of the Grace Methodist Church quartet which won first prize in an Epworth League Midwinter Insti- tute in Dayton. Other Members are Dick Carey, Fred Stanton and Bob Lathrop.

One Hundred Years Ago

January 17, 1913

William Webber of Huntsville was arrested by sheriff Bowers Friday and taken to Dayton for killing a China pheas- ant. He was fined $5 and costs. A foot of snow which fell dur- ing the week, has made sleigh riding a pleasant pastime here. The jingle of sleigh bells is heard incessantly and sleighing parties are numerous. A team representing the Waitsburg Ath- letic Club will meet Bode's team of Walla Walla in a game of basketball Friday evening at the local gymnasium.

One Hundred Twenty-

Five Years Ago

January 20, 1888

Another militia company, lettered "H" has been orga- nized in Walla Walla and the proper complement of enlisted men has already joined. Following are the officers elected: W.M. Clark, captain; Ed Kimmerly, first lieutenant; and Allan Reynolds, second lieutenant. P.M. Tucker, our enterprising livery man this week added to his stock a fine cutter and parties wanting a good sleigh-ride in a fine cut- ter drawn by a splendid team can be accommodated by calling at Mr. Tucker's stable on Second Street. Snake and Columbia rivers are frozen over allowing wagons and teams to cross on the ice with perfect safety. But is this treat- ing our ferryman right? With the snow always comes the children's friend, Uncle Doc Willard. This week he has given them all a free ride and a bountiful supply of candy and nuts to boot.