PIONEER PORTRAITS

Ten Years Ago

February 28, 2013

Lisa Caldwell’s job is to expect the unexpected. What happens when the next flood arrives? Or the next big wildfire? The next disaster might be something new and different, like a plane crash or an emergency at a local school. Caldwell is the new Emergency Management Director for Columbia County. She replaces Bill Peters, who left that position at the end of November. “My job comes in four parts,” she said. “Preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery.” Caldwell’s department covers a lot of territory. She oversees homeland security and public safety communication. That means she’s in charge of federal grants for upgrading communications and other emergency equipment. She also oversees the Columbia County dispatch center.

Twenty-Five Years Ago

March 5, 1998

[Photo Caption] Members of the Waitsburg Cardinal girls basketball team share tears, joy, and relief in the celebration following their 60-44 win over LaCrosse-Washtucna last Friday in Pullman. The team, under coach Jerry Baker, competes in the State B Basketball Tournament this week in Spokane. From left, Cara Hulce, Janelle Ryckman, Emily Seney, Rachel Lambert, Stephanie Smith, Juanita Cunz, Anne Bickelhaupt, Kynde Kiefel, Beth Abbey (24), Kelly McCaw (30), and Wendy Jones.

Fifty Years Ago

March 1, 1973

Gus Lybecker of Waitsburg has started the community’s newest business venture – the Discount Farm Service. Gus will be working out of the building that formerly housed Ardie’s Cleaners at 110 West Second Street. Owner-manager of the new firm came to Waitsburg in August 1971 from Plummer Idaho, where he was farming wheat and peas. He was employed here for 18 months at Brea Ag Service. Married, Gus and his wife Caroline have five children: Linda 17, Laura 14, John 12, Robert 10, and Richard 8. Gus is a native of Pomeroy, Washington, where he attended high school. He is a member of Waitsburg Lions Club.

Earnest Hermanns, former Waitsburg resident, will open a machine and welding shop in Prescott on March 5. Earnest has been working as a machinist-welder for Inland Machine in Walla Walla. He is the son of the late Ed and Vida Hermanns.

Seventy-Five Years Ago

February 27, 1948

Mr. and Mrs. G. G. Bickelhaupt, Mrs. Kenneth Bickelhaupt and daughter Susan are returning this weekend from an extended vacation in Long Beach, Calif.

Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Mock and Miss Velma Mock of Seattle were guests this week at the home of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Denzil Mock.

“Helpful Hints for Housewives” will be the theme of the laundry forum being conducted at Hamilton’s Electric, Waitsburg, Friday afternoon from 2:00 to 4:00, by the distributors of Bendix washers, ironers, and dryers.

One Hundred Years Ago

March 9, 1923

Stanfield, Ore. is to send one carload of bees to the Milton-Freewater country to aid in the pollenization of fruit trees during the time they are blossoming.

Quite a large number of theater-lovers heard May Robson in “Mother’s Millions” at Walla Walla Tuesday evening.

The Tinker family, who have resided in the A. J. Woodworth residence during the Woodworth’s stay in California, moved Saturday into the Brotherton house, where they will occupy the apartments with the W. C. Romaine family.

One Hundred Twenty-Five Years Ago

March 4 1898

J. W. Duncan this week purchased the residence property of L. P. Merklin on the corner of 6th and Orchard and will take possession immediately. Consideration $600.

Last Sunday afternoon a memorial service was held at the Presbyterian Church in honor of the late Francis E. Willard. The services were conducted by the Women’s Christian Temperance Union of this city, all resident clergy participating.

Platt Morrow, Ora Babcock, and Dale Preston wheeled to Dayton and back last Sunday.