75 years ago
Dec. 31, 1941
Pacific County Sheriff Peter Maloney issued a warning today that New Year’s celebrators discovered on the public highways under the influence of intoxicants will be dealt with severely. He admonished any who contemplate a bibulous celebration to expect no favors from him or his men.
“The times forbid reckless driving apart from the personal safety angle,” Maloney said. “Every piece of motor equipment might be desperately needed in time of emergency. Patriotism dictates that we exercise every care with our motor vehicles for this reason.”
50 years ago
Dec. 31, 1966
Merrit Nevers of the Liquor Control Board said there has been a land rush of applicants for the “package deal” banquet permits for New Year’s Eve in the Grays Harbor area.
Purveyors of beer and hard liquor, unless they have the special permit, must close at midnight. Those with a permit may stay open until 3 a.m. but all liquor and beer must be purchased before midnight and there must be food available until the 3 a.m. closing time.
Aberdeen establishments preparing for the public New Year’s Eve celebration include Toni’s Tavern, John’s Place, Ida’s Inn, Aberdeen Tavern, Norma’s, Blue Eagle, Mal’s Tavern, Up &Up, Haven Tavern and the 707.
25 years ago
Dec. 31, 1991
For the second time in four days, the Westport crab fishing fleet has been hit by tragedy.
A 58-foot boat, the Commander, broke apart in savage waves near the South Jetty at the entrance to Grays Harbor about 7 Monday night. Two men were rescued but the captain, 33-year-old Jerry Garrett of Westport was missing this morning and presumed drowned.
Coast Guard officials said the crew of another crabber, the Michael Lisa, risked their lives to rescue Joe West, 30 of Grayland and Dan Baldwin, who is reported to be about 30 years of age, also of Grayland.
Jan.1, 1992
Top local stories of 1991 as voted on by The Daily World news staff
1. The ongoing revolution in the timber industry in the face of environmental protection of the spotted owls.
2. The stink wafted from the Weyerhaeuser Co.’s settling ponds and spoils dump in South Aberdeen.
3. Grays Harbor’s chronic double digit unemployment problem, probably triggered by layoffs in the troubled timber industry, exacerbated by the national recession.
4. Five-month long strike of pulp mill workers at ITT Rayonier.
5. The Gulf War.
6. It was a violent year on the Harbor as authorities prepared evidence in death of eight homicide cases.
7. Unsafe levels of domoic acid in razor clams.
8. National Park Service burned the rustic old lodge at Kamp Kiwanis kids camp on Lake Quinault.
9. Tie between the Lady Washington and the Port of Grays Harbor’s aggressive program to attract general cargo such as aluminum, bailed pulp, lumber and machinery.
Compiled from the archives of The Daily World by Karen Barkstrom
