75 years ago
January 4, 1945
Lt. R.L. Miller, former Aberdeen youth now in the final phases of training as a Flying Fortress pilot, has no qualms about “facing what Germany has to offer.”
In a recent letter to his parents he said: “Please believe me when I say that I’ve got a really fine crew. We team together like a crack professional football team. The boys all think the world of me, and I of them — I don’t think there’s a thing in the world they wouldn’t do for me should I ask them.
“And they all know their jobs well and thoroughly. I have no qualms about facing what Germany has to offer with these boys of mine. And believe me, that is a strong statement to make because my neck depends every bit as much on how well my gunner can shoot as theirs depends on how well I can fly.”
January 5, 1945
The Westport Crab Fishermen’s association last night rescinded an earlier motion opposing the sale of crabs by the pound and went on record to adopt the poundage basis, but to open negotiations with the OPA for a minimum price of 10 cents.
Last year crab fishermen received $1.75 per dozen ocean run, but a more recent OPA ruling granted sale by the pound, provided all fishermen in this area adopt that basis, Hiram McAllister, chairman of the association, said.
He pointed out that, with the heavy weight of crabs, they would average 25 pounds to the dozen, giving fishermen about $2.50 per dozen.
50 years ago
January 4, 1970
Humiliated in an earlier encounter with John Donahue’s supercharged Elma club, Tenino tried stall ball tactics Friday night. But the scheme backfired badly.
Two versatile Eagles, whose forte is run-and-shoot basketball, played Tenino’s percentage game superbly en route to a 68-46 victory — their ninth straight.
Elma hit on 58 per cent from the field behind the stunning marksmanship of Rod (The Rifle) Derline, who meshed 30 in his finest night of the season.
Big Ron Sheets, the rugged 6-4 pivot who earned second team all-state honors last year, added 19 points and 10 rebounds, while pickpocket floor leader Bart Valentine, contributed 11 points.
January 5, 1970
“Marv, you deserve a kiss!” declared Police Sgt. Jerri Strmich to Battalion Chief Marvin Haskins, who summoned up a “Shucks, it was nothin’” smile.
The Aberdee fire department had just come to the rescue of the police department.
Lt. Strmich and matron Bess York were trapped on the second floor of the Public Safety Building at 10:45 o’clock this morning when “a column of black smoke came rolling up the stairs” from a mattress fire in the first floor trusty room.
Chief David Auer said Ptlm. Lio Sackrider was using an acetylene torch to cut some window bars in the old trusty room (soon to be a squad room) when sparks from the torch apparently ignited a pile of 24 mattresses and mattress covers.
“We really got good service from the fire department,” Lt. Strmich added. “Chief, that smoke was as black as the stem of your pipe!”
25 years ago
January 4, 1995
After 25 years in public office, Hoquiam Mayor Phyllis Shrauger won’t seek a third term next fall.
“I wanted to leave while I still enjoy it — and I do,” the mayor told the City Council Tuesday.
There was another surprise announcement. City Administrator Pete Wall submitted his resignation.
He is leaving city government to become director of operations for the multi-million-dollar Oregon Coast Aquarium at Newport.
January 5, 1995
Soon they’ll be fishing for cash, but this weekend high schoolers in the Tri-District Aquaculture Program at the Port of Willapa Harbor are just showing off.
Their aquaculture facility — kid-built and kid-operated — will be on display Friday through Sunday as part of a national aquaculture teacher inservice program sponsored by the federal Department of Agriculture.
What people will see is a low-tech operation which teaches kids some basic chemistry skills plus a little carpentry and plumbing, says teacher Steve Lazelle.
Compiled from the archives of The Daily World by Karen Barkstrom
