Yesterday's Phillips County News Memories for May 8, 2019

100 year ago

May 8, 1919

Five girls made up the 1919 Class of graduates from Malta High School. Rev. L. J. Christler gave the commencement address. Graduates were Jean Hewitt, Nora Hocket, Inez Erickson, Ellen Swanson, and Helen Smith.

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F. W. Wheat had purchased the Fifth Avenue Hotel from Mr. and Mrs. George Health who had operated it for the past two years.

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Fred L. Robinson had returned from service in France. He had also purchased the store in Wagner owned by Harry McConnell and had become postmaster at Wagner.

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County Attorney Fred C. Gabriel had been offered the position of deputy attorney general for the State of Montana. Gabriel had turned down the offer due to his local practice and his farming interests.

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Mayor E. Sklower had proclaimed the week to be "Clean Up Week."

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Walter Risen of Lovejoy had sold $1,600 worth of Victory Bonds despite the drought-stricken condition of the community.

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Bill Kerns of Zortman and Frank Russell of the Power Plant Ferry, were considering with the county commissioners about a road north from Lewistown. It was reported that Blaine County was anxious to have the road routed through Chinook or Harlem.

75 years ago

May 11, 1944

Old tribal custom revived for veteran

An age-old custom of the Gros Ventres Indians was revived recently when the community of Hays gathered to welcome home Cpl. Leo Stiffarm, one of the first boys of the community to enter the armed services and one of the first to return from the South Pacific battle area.

Cpl. Stiffarm's mother, Mrs. Phoebe Mount, and his aunt, Mrs. Peter Longhorn gave a party to which more than 200 persons were invited. Gifts were presented to all guests as a gesture of thanksgiving that a warrior had returned safely home from battle.

A member of the National Guard at Harlem, Cpl. Stiffarm was sent to Australia with the 41st Division last Monday.

Five county men slated for Navy induction

The following Phillips County residents left for induction in the Navy at the Navy recruiter station in Helena:

Elmer C. Feigel, Donald E. Gardner, Clarence T. Marshall, and Donald R. Holman.

On April 12, Ira Warren Knuth was accepted by the Navy and immediately inducted.

Wells receives Silver Star medal

For gallantry in action when his burning plane carrying cargo of 100 octane gasoline was shot down in enemy territory, 2nd Lt. Marshall C. Wells of Dodson has been awarded the Silver Star medal.

On Dec. 19, 1942, near Tamet, Tripolitania, the unescorted, gasoline loaded plane of which Wells was then a staff sergeant, was co-pilot, was set afire by direct hits. The pilot was killed, and the radio operator, crew chief, and Wells himself were wounded.

"Displaying extraordinary self-possession and flying skills, he regained control of the unstable aircraft and after successfully crash-landing behind enemy lines, extricated the radio operator and in spite of enemy gunfire and the fact that an explosion was imminent, courageously returned to the burning plane and assisted the wounded crew chief to safety," his citation reads.

After nine months' imprisonment, Wells escaped and returned to his organization.

50 years ago

May 8, 1969

Legion celebrates 50th anniversary here June 28-29

An outstanding 50th-anniversary celebration on the founding of the American Legion in Malta on June 28 ad 29 is being hosted by Malta Post 57. The Montana Legion was organized on June 29, 30, and July 1, 1919, in a meeting of the Montana World War I veterans and their organizations.

25 years ago

May 11, 1994

Whitewater honors top students

Justin Austin has earned the honor of representing Whitewater School's Class of 1994 as its valedictorian.

Justin is the son of Harry and Sally Austin.

Sarah Dunbar, daughter of Pat and Barb Dunbar of Whitewater, has earned salutatorian status.

10 years ago

May 13, 2009

Whitewater High names top students of 2009

Calli Cox has been named valedictorian of the Whitewater High School Class of 2009 while classmate Carli Olsen has been named salutatorian.

Calli is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clint and Denise Cox of Whitewater.

Carli is the daughter of Allie and Sue Olsen of Whitewater.

Street Talk

Question: Are you excited or fearful about your future in today's world?

Saleena Davis: I'm a little worried because it's not looking good out there.

David Dvorshak: I'm very excited about my future.

Jason Miller: I'm excited because I feel I can make a difference.

Bethany Kalal: I'm not too worried because I'm going into a good career-field.