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
• The Thurston County Fair had the theme of “Fun-A-Fair” for it’s annual event in July 1978. The fair hosted 108 stalls for animals of 4-H members. There was also a new stage and seating for 500 people in the new entertainment area.
• Two Yelm residents were honored for their work at Madigan Army Medical Center on June 30, 1978. Elsie McDuffie, who works in the patient administration division, was awarded an outstanding performance rating. Gwendolyn Vincent, department of radiology, received $125 for her adopted idea to improve the center and save the government money.
• Rainier senior citizens had a busy schedule in mid-to-late July of 1978. On July 18, 1978, the group took a trip to Sequim to visit a wildlife reserve. On July 19, entertainment was provided at the center. On July 20, the group traveled to the Olympia Eagles Hall for a senior dance.
• Dwight Carson, former deputy sheriff, announced in early-July 1978 that he intended to seek the sheriff’s job in Thurston County. As a Democrat, Carson stated his platform would’ve been a better utilization of manpower, more officers on the road, increased emphasis on traffic safety and more.
A Look Back at This Week, 35 Years Ago
• Yelm School Board members gathered on July 14 to discuss a variety of topics, including a review of the supplemental and community education contacts, and introduction of new staff including Suzanne Noble, Dana Montgomery, Nancy Bastion, Michelle Charles and more.
• The annual Pride of the Prairie Run was scheduled for July 30, 1988. The event offered a 2-mile and 5-mile course, both allowing for running or walking. It’s starting point was at Yelm City Park and runners received prizes for completing the event.
• The Yelm Kiwanis Farmers Market offered an opportunity for gardeners, small farming operations, craftspeople, food vendors and other organizations to display and sell their products. The event was located at Yelm City Park each Saturday in Yelm throughout the summer.
A Look Back at This Week, 25 Years Ago
• Fourteen pleasure boats sailed around the perimeter of Lake Lawrence on the Fourth of July in 1998 to celebrate America’s Independence. The parade was run for the seventh consecutive year and featured many different acts and themes related to America’s independence.
• Glen Nutter, former superintendent for Yelm Community Schools, was named the Grand Marshal for the 1998 Prairie Days Parade. He was an active member of the Yelm Lions Club and was heavily involved in the planning of the annual parade.
• Hot air balloons lit up the night sky after a day of fun events on July 18 at Yelm High School during the third annual Lighter Than Air Fair. The event provided balloons. Inflation began at dusk. The balloons were inflated two-thirds full with a portable blower, then a burner was ignited heating the air in the balloon and producing a colorful glow.
• Prairie Days week was set to kick off on July 18 with the queen coronation. Then, on July 21, the local Boy Scouts provided the annual spaghetti dinner, followed by the Magnificent Mutt Show.
A Look Back at This Week, 15 Years Ago
• Yelm officially passed the “small-town” mark of 5,000 in July of 2008. The city had a population of 5,150 people, which grew over 6% from 2007 when the city had 4,845 residents.
• The City of Yelm looked at new possible bypass connections to help ease traffic congestion in Yelm over the next year, into 2009. The Yelm City Council approved its six-year transportation improvement program for 2009 through 2014 without any additions. Over the year, the city worked on cleaning up and completing current projects on the list before turning its focus to traffic.
• A Yelm woman was behind bars in July 2008 after nearly choking on a bag of methamphetamine that she was apparently trying to hide from police. The 28-year-old was arrested in Lacey in relation to a warrant, and police noticed she was gagging in the back seat of the car. It was later discovered that she had swallowed meth.
• Voters were a step closer to seeing a ballot measure for a regional fire authority in 2008. City and fire officials planned to sign an interlocal agreement to form a planning committee, as approved by Mayor Ron Harding. He believed the city would see a big benefit from forming a regional fire authority.
