50 years ago: The “modern” musical comedy Salad Days was staged in the Lake Windermere Community Centre. “The clever rhyming of the lyrics, the gay melodies and the lively acting all contributed to the general fun,” The Echo said in a review.
45 years ago: Incumbent Heniz Seel was voted to once again lead the Chamber of Commerce. During the meeting a proposed ski hill in Kootenay National park was discussed, pushed by Radium Resort owners. Most felt, however, it was best to support one ski hill whole-heartedly, and Panorama had just opened.
35 years ago: Election voting turnout was light at 44 per cent. The Invermere judo club participated in a competition in Spokane and swept the field, bringing home 15 trophies.
32 years ago: Local businessmen were planning the second annual Super Sunday, where great deals, carollers and a visit from Santa Claus were all aimed at keeping shoppers shopping locally. Also available was a draw for “Mall Dollars,” which could be redeemed at any area store.
25 years ago: The Regional District of East Kootenay won a lawsuit in B.C. Supreme Court. The suit alleged the district had turned down a rezoning application improperly. The judge presiding over the case ruled the claims to be unsubstantiated, despite the lawsuit being led by a former mayor of Invermere.
20 years ago: Windermere Valley communities were promoting the war against substance abuse by having family fun nights and guest speakers outline the evils and consequences of abuse. A recovering alcoholic told the assembled students at Windermere Elementary that alcohol affects everyone.
15 years ago: The contractor originally hired to fill the wetlands in Athalmer was suing Lake Windermere Resort Ltd. (LWRL) and its principals for up to $350,000. The corporate plaintiffs were seeking payment of an outstanding amount for the fill, and an additional sum purportedly loaned to the LWRL.
10 years ago: The RCMP was investigating a rash of break-ins, including a break-in at the Royal Canadian Legion on Remembrance Day. Three days later the Edgewater Legion was broken into as well, prompting Sgt. Ed Kalin to call the crimes, “the lowest of the low.”
5 years ago: A push to establish a high-speed fibre network in Radium was continuing, despite a Radium vote in which it was decided not to provide municipal funds. Radium mayor Greg Deck and Invermere resident Mark Halwa were supporters of the proposal, committing their own funds to try and sway other residents.