75 years ago

September 30, 1944

John Zelasko, soundman first class, and a veteran of more than two years with the navy in the Pacific theater, has been commissioned an ensign aboard ship, it was learned today.

Commissions aboard ship are very rarely granted, and are considered an unusual honor.

Zelasko is a Weatherwax high school graduate and a former Bobcat gridder. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jozef Zelasko of Sumner Avenue.

A brother, Pfc. Ted Zelasko, is now in France. He arrived shortly after D-day.

50 years ago

September 30, 1969

The proposed new YMCA swimming pool will be shallow because it’s to be used primarily for beginning swimming instruction, Y Director Kenneth Little says.

“Our plan is that beginning instruction will be done here at the Y and the advanced teaching would be done at the Miller Natatorium,” Little said.

“When youngsters can have their feet on the bottom they can get over their fear of the water, and can begin to learn swimming skills. One of an instructor’s biggest problems in teaching swimming is to get youngsters over their fear of the water,” Little added.

Little said the pool’s function will be three-fold: instructional, the primary one; recreational and therapeutic.

25 years ago

September 30, 1994

A former executive director at the Port of Bellingham has been hired to direct the Port of Grays Harbor.

Donald C. Fleming, 50, currently working as a consultant in Seattle, will become the Port’s executive director as of Nov. 1. He succeeds Cliff Muller, whose retirement from the Port took effect today.

After interviewing finalists among the 76 applicants for the job “we feel Mr. Don Fleming is the right guy for us,” said Port Commissioner Jack Root of Hoquiam.

Fleming’s annual salary will be $84,000. He’ll also receive an automobile allowance.

Compiled from the archives of The Daily World by Karen Barkstrom