Memories for the Week of March 2, 2016

100 years ago

March 2, 1916

Malta hotel partly destroyed by fire

Shortly after seven o'clock Tuesday evening smoke was discovered issuing from the roof of the Hotel Malta and, it was only a short space of time before the entire east roof of the structure was ablaze. An alarm was turned in and the local fire laddies were promptly on the scene, but the fire had gained such headway that it was thought at first the entire north side of the town was doomed. After the water was turned on it was not long until the flames were under control and what would have been a total loss without the firefighters was turned into only a partial loss.

Chas. Henry, who was operating the hotel, states that he cannot understand how how the fire could have started.

The Hotel Malta, or better known as the Caselberg Hotel, was built about 26 years ago by Elisha V. Tucker for Mrs. Hyatt, now Mrs. Arthur Cavanaugh.

A part of the same hotel was the original homestead shack of "Grandpa" Tucker and he lived there for many years.

Editorial

Still the fact remains undisputed that the fire alarm in this city is about as poor as could be installed, and that it cannot be heard by those who are supposed to respond to the alarm. Had it not been for one of the Great Northern engineers in town, when the fire broke out Tuesday evening few people would have known of it. Some day the people of Malta will need all the firemen and need them bad, and a bell should be so fixed that it could be heard anywhere in town.

75 years ago

February 27, 1941

Hand to the Cheerleaders

Did you notice the three people jumping up and down at every basketball game this year? They were the cheerleaders, Shirley Janes, Betty Hanson and Carla Robertson. They worked hard to create new yells and songs and they spent long hours in practice so that the cheers would be successful. With these cheerleaders, we never had to worry that there would be a quite moment at a game. They made us proud of our school. Let's give them a hand. – Betty Pope.

Pajamas too warm for Hot Shots in Whist clash

Pajamas of Malta proved too much for for the Strater Hot Shots, the city slickers totaling a score of 383 to defeat the country lads by 50 points in a whist match played at Hugh Simanton's home in Strater Tuesday night.

The Pajama personnel was composed of John Hanson, Jack Lang, Fern Taylor, Chris Ivanish, Bernal Southwick, Ed Eskildsen, Grover Wait and Fred Just.

Hot Shots players were Roy Monroe, Chris Sundseth, Hugh Simanton, Horace Matthews, Svend Holte, Tom Simanton, Herman Primeau and Walt Campbell.

50 years ago

March 3, 1966

Malta High School names Valedictorian, Salutatorian

James Ray Klovstad, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Klovstad, is Valedictorian of the 1996 graduating class of Malta High School. Salutatorian is Cathy Aloah Stiles, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Stiles.

W.A. Barnard commended by

U.S. Weather Bureau

W.A. Barnard, Telegraph Creek, has been cited by the U.S. Department of Commerce for his 34-years of unpaid service as a Weather Bureau Cooperative Observer. A book just issued by the Commerce Department had this to say about Barnard's service:

"Quoting Mr. Barnard 'The Post Office at Telegraph Creek was closed when I reached 70 years but the mail comes twice a week by star route carrier (he is now 82.) My ranch got up to 24,000 deeded acres acres before I deeded it to my three children. I am still young and keep the record of what everybody is interested in: the weather."

Volunteer weather observers have included Benjamin Franklin and former Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.

25 years ago

March 2, 1991

New Treasurer and deputy

Jean Mavencamp has been appointed by Phillips County Commissioners to the post of County Treasurer for the next two years. She succeeds Marion Goulet. Mavencamp has worked in the treasurer's office for almost 10 years.

Oriental beef ring tops Beef Cook-off

For the third straight year, Rhonda Ottinger of Malta has cooked her way to local honors in the annual Beef Cook-off competition sponsored by the Phillips County CattleWomen.

Second place in the cook-off went to Alisha Oxarart with her entry Mexican Beef Stir Fry.

Third place went to Michelle Olson whose entry was entitled Beef and Corn Pie.

For her winning entry, Miss Ottinger served up an entry entitled Oriental Beef Ring.

Arm Wrestling Champs crowned

Winners in the second annual wrist-wrestling tournament were Brad Seward, Mike Graves, Jason Bednarczyk, Jason Durham and Mike McCarthy. The competition was held last week at City Hall under the direction of Recreation Department Director Dennis Dawson.

10 years ago

March 1, 2006

Penguins on to State after Divisional warm up

After cruising to victory in the Eastern C Divisional Tournament in Malta last weekend, the Whitewater Penguins find themselves right back where they wanted to be – at the state tournament.

"This year, we are going in with one goal in mind, to bring home a state championship," said Penguins head coach Darin Cummings.

Gardiner, the team that spoiled Whitewater's title hopes last year, and the Penguins are the only team two teams from last year back in this year's state filled of hopefuls.