Enjoy these snapshots of articles written in past issues of the Nisqually Valley News from 45, 35, 25 and 15 years ago, respectively.
A Look Back at This Week,
45 Years Ago
- Daniel Beaird Jr., the area winner of the punt, pass and kick competition in the Kingdome, clinched a spot in the semifinals at the Astrodome in Houston after winning the 10-year-old title.
- Board members from the Yelm School District approved a contract with Mobile Modules Northwest for $163,880 for a new administration building Dec. 6, 1979.
- The Prairie Wranglers 4-H Rabbit Club presented Don Miller, editor of the Nisqually Valley News, with the “Friend of 4-H Award” for the outstanding support he gave them during the past year.
- The Yelm High School boys wrestling team captured the team title at the Tenino Invitational Wrestling Tournament Dec. 8, 1979. Taking championships were Joe Cannalla at 101 pounds, Dale Easkin at 122, Charlie Brewer at 158, and Troy Mires at 190.
A Look Back at This Week,
35 Years Ago
- Slick grass was listed as the probable cause of Lawrence Olson, of Olympia, not stopping his airplane before running out of runway Dec. 9, 1989. Olson was landing at the grass strip on Morris Road when his plane nosed over into the ditch.
- Gwendolyn Kerle’s automobile struck an army Hum-V multi-purpose vehicle while a military convoy was being directed across Highway 510 by a Fort Lewis signalman Dec. 7, 1989. Kerle received hip and neck injuries, and her Datsun B210 was totaled.
- Alex Piccinini, 15, of Yelm, received a serious ankle injury Dec. 6, 1989, when his bicycle struck an auto on Yelm Avenue. He was transported to a hospital, where surgery was performed.
- A Dec. 6, 1989, letter from the Department of Transportation to the town of Yelm informed officials of a plan to widen Highway 510. Starting near Reservation Road, the department was set to channelize left turns and realign Highway 510 to Highway 507.
A Look Back at This Week,
25 Years Ago
- Despite some residents’ concerns about noise and safety, the Yelm City Council agreed to move ahead with plans to build the Y2/Y3 bypass corridor Dec. 15, 1999. The plan was slated to be forwarded to the Federal Highway Agency, paving the way for federal transportation grants and an eventual 10-year construction.
- The Yelm City Council said goodbye to 12-year member Martha Parsons at a reception before its Dec. 15, 1999, meeting. Members praised Parsons for her work and diligence in acting as mayor pro tem, liaison to police, transit and growth committees.
- After neighbors complained about the smell of more than 30 dogs living at a local residence, state and county officials, armed with a warrant, removed the animals from the site. Officers complained of the powerful odor of dog feces as they removed the pets.
- Victor Bruce, who played semiprofessional soccer for a western Washington team in the 1970s, was back in business in Yelm, running a winter skills clinic for the Prairie Soccer Club.
A Look Back at This Week,
15 Years Ago
- Emotions ran high Dec. 8, 2009, as residents from the Nisqually Valley joined more than 20,000 people in honoring four slain Lakewood police officers. About 10 Yelm Police Department personnel participated in the procession of about 2,000 vehicles.
- Just one day after the City of Roy held its annual Christmas tree lighting, a rabid windstorm knocked the tree to the ground. The city debated how to get it upright, as the ground was loose from uprooting, and considered having a crane lift the tree or calling Fort Lewis’ Triple Nickel for assistance.
- After nearly three weeks of trials and tribulations, 20 Ridgeline Middle School ninth graders showcased their artistic talent at Schafer Gallery Art and Frame. Every piece was hand-drawn with charcoal and pastels.
- The discovery of marijuana on several students at Ridgeline Middle School had Yelm police taking a different approach to addressing teen drug abuse. Police were set to begin using drug dogs to search the school on a periodic basis.
