Memories for the Week of January 6, 2016

100 years ago

January 6, 1916

Travel delayed

Trains from the east and west still continue to arrive in Malta several hours late due to the extreme cold weather and snow in the mountains.

Run in with the Feds

The state game warden authorities will not prosecute for the violation of the federal law, which states that the hunting season for ducks, geese, etc., closes December 15. Under the state law hunters are allowed to kill ducks until January 1. Whether or not the season closed December 15 is optional with the hunters. They will not be prosecuted by the state, but are running the risk of being prosecuted by the federal authorities.

Notice to owners or occupants of property

By order of the Town Council all persons will be required to keep their sidewalks free and clear from now under penalty as provided by ordinance.

Chas. Wolfe, Marshal.

Local News

The Firemen's dance at the Orpheum Dance Hall last Friday night was one of the social events of the season, and everyone present reports one of the best times they ever enjoyed. The music furnished by a four piece orchestra composed of Nels Shirdahl, Joseph Sklower, Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, was second to none. The prizes were won by the following persosns: Prize waltz, won by Clarence Cosner and Mrs. Simonton. Two step was won by Mr. Arnot and Miss Andres. The later is in charge of the Forge Store of this city. The hall was beautifully decorated for the occasion, the decorations being donated by the Valley Drug Co. and J.F. Murray.

75 years ago

January 2, 1941

Jury's verdict indicates possible murder

Mystery still clings to indentity of body found Dec. 21

County authorities working to identify the body of a man discovered on top of a haystack six miles east of Bowdoin by Walter Simpson, December 21 are considering the angle or possible murder after a coroner's jury returned a verdict the victim had been strangled to death by a knotted handkerchief.

The body is not that of Ruric Rainwater, who worked on the Ted Didier Ranch near Bowdoin last spring...the theory of possible murder was advanced by the jury because of a tightly knotted handkerchief around the dead man's throat. It is possible that he had been robbed and murdered and the body dragged to the haystack, which is located about 130 yards from the Great Northern train tracks.

50 years ago

January 6, 1966

LaRoche Retires after 16 yrs. As Secretary of Local Lodge

Louie LaRoche, who has served the Masonic Lodge of Malta for the past 16 years as its secretary, was honored by members at the regular communication December 23. As a token of his service he was presented with a Masonic emblem designed and produced by Steve Grant. The hardwood Compass and Square hold one of the commemorative coins which will be used during the centennial communication of Masons in Montana this summer.

Citizen's Band Radio Directory to be published

Bud Mavencamp this week announced efforts to compile a complete directory of all citizen band radios in Phillips County. This directory, comprised of the name of the operator, address and call letters will be published in the Phillips County News.

55 prisoners were in county jail during past year

Fifty-five prisoners spent terms of varying length in the county jail during the past year, total prisoner days being 223. This compares with the total of 62 prisoners for the previous year ... six of the prisoners were women, 10 were age 18 and younger and 39 were men over 18 years of age.

25 years ago

January 9, 1991

Broadbrooks is alderman

David Broadbrooks was appointed Ward II alderman Tuesday night by the Malta City Council.

Broadbrooks will fill the vacancy created when alderman Byron Ereaux was appointed mayor to succeed Garry Adams, who resigned. Broadbrooks is one of six persons who submitted letters of interest. Others included Lana Ulrich, George Knudsen, Mike Lang, Shirley Legg and Dennis Dawson.

Dodson's Post Office 100 years old

There won't be a birthday cake or a party of any sort, but postmaster Virginia Kienenberger thought people might like to know that the Dodson Post Office will be 100 years old tomorrow.

The Dodson Post Office was originally opened on Jan. 10, 1891 with Richard Garland serving as its first postmaster.

10 years ago

January 4, 2006

Montana Official of the Year...Kelly Murray honored by his peers

No doubt he heard it all...and most of it he's ignored. And when he hasn't, he's blown the whistle – but it was nothing personal.

Now in his 23rd year as a basketball referee, Malta's Kelly Murray has been recognized by his peers as the Montana Official of the Year for girls basketball. Its an honor bestowed by the National Federation of State High School Associations.

Murray said he doesn't know who nominated him or how the selection was made. Nor does he plan to retire.

He'll quit, he said, when his body or his wife tells him to or when it's "no longer fun."