5 years ago (2008): The Windermere and Fairmont Hot Springs volunteer fire departments, which responded to a motor vehicle accident that claimed the life of seven-year-old Julien Tyrrell, teamed up to start a support fund for the mother and two siblings who were also in the car.

10 years ago (2003): $3 million was pumped into Slocan Forest Products’ Radium mill to expand sawmill operations, despite market uncertainty.

15 years ago (1998): Columbia Valley Airport ceased to be operated by the Regional District of East Kootenay. Negotiations between the Shuswap Band, who owned the land, and the RDEK, which had the lease, finalized a final buy-out for the remaining ten years on the lease. The by-out figure was $128,000.

25 years ago (1988): Russ Hendry introduced Karnak, the valley’s first ever Avalanche Rescue Dog. Before, anyone caught in an avalanche would have to wait for the avalanche dog from Cranbrook.

40 years ago (1973): The Invermere Arena Complex received a $12,000 grant under the Local Initiatives Program. This allowed the hiring of unemployed men who will maintain the rink, collect fees and other needed work. The rink was administered by the Windermere District Spoorts Society with Adolf Hromadnik as the chairman.

50 years ago (1963): Panorama Ski Hill Company announced the opening of the tow rope on the mountain each weekend. The plan was to have it manned Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m to 4:30 p.m.. The company’s secretary, Karl Strobl, said plans were going ahead for the building of a ski lodge at the site but a small shack would serve as a shelter for the time being.