5 years ago (2008): Al Ostrander celebrated his 90th birthday skiing at Panorama last week. Ostrander spent $1,000 on a lifetime lift ticket at Panorama in 1967. After more than forty years of regular use, it’s hard to argue that he didn’t get his money worth.
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Al and Bunny Turned were named Citizens of the Year by the Rotary Club of Invermere. The title comes after decades of volunteer work and community service in the valley.
10 years ago (2003): A Dutch immigrant wrote into The Echo to express her disappointment in “spineless” Prime Minister Jean Chretien’s decision not to take part in the invasion of Iraq. “It takes a lot of soul searching and courage to send young men and women into Iraq to free the people from the tyrant. I thank God that President Bush, Prime Minister Tony Blair, and other allies have that courage,” she said.
“I and other Canadians have to hang our heads in shame because our leader is nothing more than a coward.” She says anti-war protesters would serve the world much better if they spent their time volunteering at a food bank..
20 years ago (1993): After a majority of Invermere residents decided to give the new high school a name different than the old one, a better title could not be agreed upon. In conclusion, the new high school was to be given the old name of David Thompson Secondary School.
New features were to include a cafeteria, a photography darkroom and a teaching kitchen. The new school, unlike the existing, will not have an auto shop.
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At least 200 signatures are needed from potential cell phone users before BC Tel will consider installing communication systems in the Windermere Valley.
25 years ago (1988): During the final match of the season between the top two junior hockey clubs in western Canada, the Columbia Valley Rockies were down 4 – 0 in the second period to the Warman Valley Crusaders from Saskatchewan.
The Rockies were hungry for the win, and scored five unanswered goals in the third to take a 5 – 4 lead. A Crusader goal with 12 seconds remaining in the final period forced an overtime period, in which Warman Valley claimed victory.
30 years ago (1983): Brisco Sawmills burned to the ground leaving 60 employees out of work. Fire broke out in the chipping saw room around 4am and spread fast. A nightwatchman was on duty and reported the blaze. Foul play was ruled out almost immediately. The owners plan on rebuilding the mill and say it will take about six months.
35 years ago (1978): The Invermere Village Council hired a dogcatcher to deal with excessive complaints regarding untamed canines. Three dogs were reported killed by other dogs. The dogcatcher will take any dogs caught running at large to the pound, which is on the Cote farm. Any dog not identified within 48 hours are destroyed.
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As advertised, Steadman’s is offering cartons of cigarettes on sale for only $7, but only on Mondays.
40 years ago (1973): A Native Studies Workshop was held at J. A. Laird last Friday where teachers and speakers from the nearby First Nations communities discussed “problems of Indian children in the public school system.”
The moderator of the workshop says the biggest problem is the overall lower grades achieved by native students. “Routine is completely foreign to them,” she said. “Many of the parents were educated at a residential school and they do not understand what is expected of their children in the public school system.” It was then noted that aboriginal students have a lower drop-out rate than their white counterparts. “The discussion panel appeared to be the opening of communication channels between the teachers and parents.”
50 years ago (1963): Youngster W. Roy Lake won this year’s ice break up. Lake placed his bet as to when the ice would be melted on March 18 at 7:30am; the break-up was clocked that same day at 8am. This year’s break-up was the earliest on record.
The pooled money was split between Lake and the Windermere District Social Services, each of whom received a grand total of $63.45.