The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

Ten Years Ago September 18, 2003

Brad Huffman bested a field of 20 to lead the Waitsburg Cardinals Cross Country team to its first win in four or five years. Marci Jo Lanning finished fourth in the girl's com- petition. "It was a great day," said Coach Ron Huntington. "These kids are going to be pretty competitive," he said. Waitsburg runners held the top four spots and dominated runners from Colfax and Pomeroy. The Cards scored 23, Colfax 38 and Pomeroy 64. Runners' placement equals their points scored; lowest score wins. Huffman crossed the finish line in first with a 19:44 time on the hilly 2.9-mile course. Jimmy Crawford placed second (20.05), Matt Baker, third (21.19), Connor Talbott, 7th (22:02), Tyler Berg, 9th (22:13), John Quigg, 13th (14:33). Marci Jo Lanning placed fourth out of seven with a 28:04 time.

Twenty-Five Years Ago September 15, 1988

Randy Halley of Waitsburg put his demo derby experi- ence to the test as he won first place in the Columbia county Demolition Derby held last weekend in Dayton. Halley, driv- ing a well-crumpled 1973 Oldsmobile Delta 88, out foxed Steve Walker of Dayton, in what Halley said was the longest demo derby he's driven in. Halley played cat and mouse, he said, until Walker, driving 1966 Mercury, got stalled next to a dead car. Halley rammed him a couple times, at which time a fire started. Race officials checked the fire and determined the race over. Halley was presented a trophy for the victory. Walker received a trophy for second place.

Fifty Years Ago September 13, 1963

The Waitsburg FFA livestock judging team took first place in stock judging at the Columbia County Fair last Saturday. Ten teams were involved. Members participating were Gary Thomas, Jim Bloor and Jerry Wood. George Fisher is their advisor. Jim Bloor tied for third place in individual judging with 285 points out of a possible 300. Gary Thomas was seventh with 283. On August 31, the team placed third out of 18 teams competing at the Southeastern Washington Fair. They will travel to Pomeroy Sept. 14; to Pullman, Sept. 21; and to the Yakima State Fair on Sept. 28.

Seventy-Five Years Ago September 16, 1938

The Waitsburg swimming pool closed September 4 af- ter a very successful season. Mrs. Annie Glover, the matron in charge, states that there were no accidents of any kind, and dozens of little tots learned to swim.

John White secretary of the 9th District Encampments, has received a copy of the program for the session to be held at Ritzville September 24.

A fire destroyed a barn on the Charles Flathers ranch on Friday.

Mr. and Mrs. Jay McCaw and family and Mr. and Mrs. James LeVan and daughters enjoyed a potluck dinner at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Smith at Eureka.

A special election for Waitsburg is scheduled for Sep- tember 27 to improve the water system at Guntle Springs, providing an adequate supply of pure spring water.

Commercial Club held its first fall meeting Tuesday evening when Miles Brunton, chairman of the entertainment committee arranged for an exceptionally fine program of motion pictures. The Club went on record as endorsing the city water issue.

Miss Winnifred Neace and Miss Dorthe Mount left by train early Wednesday morning for eastern schools. Miss Neace returns to her studies in Philadelphia and Miss Mount is to enter the National School of Fine Arts ad Washington, D.C.

One Hundred Years Ago Sept. 12, 1913

W. G. Preston, age 80, and a pioneer of the City of Waitsburg, was seriously injured Friday morning while rid- ing by auto with his son, Bert Preston, from Walla Walla to Waitsburg. Mr. Preston was caught in the mouth by a tele- phone wire which had fallen across the road and his upper jaw was broken and his face severely cut and bruised.

Two grading crews are now camped on the state high- way line in preparation for a complete new road bed between Waitsburg and Walla Walla.

Jack Frost made his first appearance in the valley Tuesday night.

The Chinese pheasant, a few pair of which were turned loose in this part of the country only a few seasons ago, are becoming quite numerous.

Miss Ruth Cole and Miss Marcia Eaton will go to Pullman this week to enter the State College.

John Blize, W. F. Bowman, Orsey Blize, Frank Spell- inger, Louis Spellinger and Earl Kinder are on a bear hunt.

J. W. Warren advertises the Waitsburg Livery and Feed Stable as having good rigs and careful drivers. "Also horses boarded by the week or month."

One Hundred Twenty-Five Years Ago Sept. 7, 1888

The fall opening of the Waitsburg Academy is Sep- tember 3 with regular courses in science, language and mathematics.

A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Frank Jonas on September 5 near the City of Waitsburg.

The city council met Thursday evening when T. S. Neely tendered his resignation as city marshal. The council considered a bid for crosswalks made by J. C. Arnold at 37 ½ ¢ per linear foot or 200 total.

Through the persistent efforst of Rev. D. E. George, a new fence is to be built around the M. E. church parsonage. The church is to be papered on the inside, painted on the outside, and the pews cushioned.

The Indians of the Puyallup reservation have refused to grant a right of way for a railroad through their reservation.

The Waitsburg Times cures headache, biliousness or in- digestion. Fifty-two doses for $2 or anybody else that wants it. Call early and avoid the rush.

The phenomenal growth of Waitsburg this year is a source of wonderment to all, and nothing for years has so encouraged our merchants.