From the Archives for December 30, 2020

100 years ago

December, 1920

Crit and Maude Claypool, children of the B.F. Claypool Family were dead and Mrs. Claypool and two other children were in serious condition at the local hospital as the result of poisoning from coal gas fumes which had been escaping from the stove for hours.

The end of the colorful career of “Long George” Francis came on Christmas Eve when his car went over the bank of the Milk River north of Havre. Francis’ leg was broken in the crash. He had attempted to make a splint for it and had crawled three miles on the river ice. Realizing that he would freeze to death, he had cut his throat. Long George was due to report the following week o serve prison term for grand larceny. Twice he had disappeared, the first time after the verdict had be returned against him in district court and again when the Supreme Court upheld the verdict. “Long George” was on his way to spend Christmas evening with school teach friend. Gifts, including a box of apples, were scattered over the ice at the scene of the wreck.

H.S. Whitcomb and John Suter had attended a gopher extermination meeting in Havre.

B.H. Koke was preparing for his annual dog races.

75 years ago Thursday,

December 27, 1945

Miss Jean Robinson, daughter of Sen. And Mrs. Fred L. Robinson is among college students home for the holidays. Miss Robinson a freshman at the State college in Bozeman.

Sherman Doucette is sporting a new saddle horse he rides to school.

50 years ago – Thursday,

December 31, 1970

From “Looking Back: News Highlights for January 1970," editors chose three events that were stood out in importance, first of which the first annual Milk River Wagon Train which was held over the Labor Day weekend and attracted people from all over the area both as participants and observers. The Wagon Train began in Zortman and made a three-day trip to Malta following the trails of the old freight wagons. Judging by the number of newspapers that were requested, (and we ran out) concerning the coverage of the event, it was of importance to our readers all over the country. It is schedule to be held again in 1971.

Another project of county-wide importance was the first year of the use of the new Sleeping Buffalo Recreation complex and opening in June of the new nine-hole golf course. Also noted was the decision of the city to renovate the city park in 1971.

Fifty-five babies were born at the Malta hospital, 30 boys and 25 girls. Fifty-three county residents passed away.

Carl Fahlgren was named “Boss of the Year” by the Malta Jaycees and was also installed as president of the Kiwanis Club.

Mrs. Martin Sandvick reported from Regina that Clarence, Judy, and Gary Blunt had dinner at John Matovich’s on Sunday.

In North Dodson news, PCN correspondent Mrs. Chet Kienenberger shared that Mr. and Mrs Sherman Doucette and family spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Junior Sjostrom and family and had supper with them.

A recipe for “5 Minute Beef Fudge” was shared by the Phillips County Cattlewomen. (Ed. Note: message me if you need this for your New Year’s feast!)

25 years ago- Wednesday, December 29, 1995

Fire Chief accepted the delivery of Malta’s new structure fire truck when it arrived the evening of December 22. The truck will replace the city’s oldest structure fire truck and improve response time, as it only will take two volunteer firemen to operate. The other firetruck had to wait for five firemen to respond before it could get underway.

The BLM “Wildlands” policy dominated the newspages and was the cause of much ire and raising fears of a federal land grab.

Greg Kielb, Julie Gilmore, and Todd Smith were each winners of $500 in Dino Dollars from Westside Self-Service, Westside Casino, and Kid Curry Lounge.

Pat Murdock writes in the Whitewater News: “Many fellow musician friends gave tribute to their friend Robert Flesche Tuesday in Malta.