Out of the Past September 23 2026

80 Years Ago

Although the change has not yet been officially announced, it is understood that Lee Powell will succeed Orval Bonser as manager of the local Citizens Utilities office effective Oct. 15. Bonser is leaving to take another position, it is understood.

Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Nelms entertained 17 relatives and friends at dinner recently in honor of Mrs. L.A. Worcester and daughter Josephine of Ohio, sister and niece of Mrs. Nelms, who have been visiting at the Nelms home the past weeks.

A surprise picnic dinner, sponsored by Clayton Grange, was given in honor of Mr. and Mrs. G.R. Lambier at the Lambier home on Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Lambier came to Big Foot Valley from Stratford 25 years ago. They raised their family of eight children there. It is with a feeling of regret that we see our good neighbors sell their home and move to Spokane, but the best wishes of their friends and neighbors go with them.

40 Years Ago

The Deer Park City Council is complete again. The group, shorthanded since the resignation of Wade Kelley last July, appointed William Galvery last Wednesday. Galvery will serve until the end of Kelley’s term next November. “I’m interested in what goes on in Deer Park,” said Galvery, explaining his reason for applying for the position.

There will be a familiar face in charge of the Deer Park Fire Department. Rick Bodrick, who was the fire chief from 1979-82, has once again assumed the reins. Brodrick replaces Ed Lewis, who resigned to accept an administrative position with Spokane County Fire District 4.

Deer Park School District officials, hit with an unexpected enrollment drop last year, will not have a shortage of first graders this year. The district’s enrollment for September showed 1,543.5 full-time equivalent students. First grade enrollment for the four classes at Deer Park Elementary School was 126 students.

20 Years Ago

Secret Witness is offering a cash reward for information that leads to the arrest of a fugitive wanted in connection with a May 19 robbery at a Deer Park grocery store. Christopher T. Pauls, 24, was arrested that day after he forcibly stole a purse and merchandise from a 43-year-old shopper at the Yoke’s Grocery store.

Former longtime city of Deer Park Financial Manager Sheila Creekmore died on Sept. 20 in Spokane. Creekmore had been suffering from heart problems at the time of her death.

The city of Deer Park, faced with rapidly deteriorating streets, has come up with a plan that will fix those in the worst condition over the next couple of years. The plan, authored by Director of Community Services Roger Krieger, uses results of a Transportation Improvement Board inspection of all the city streets earlier this year, along with a $200,000 annual budget.