Voices from the Past

December 6, 1923

Alfalfa Seed Brings in the Real Money

With a stimulating influence of good prices for alfalfa seed it would not be surprising in another year or two to see the receipts from this source eclipse that of livestock in this county. At the present time, such is the handwriting on the wall. There is real money in growing alfalfa for seed and especially in this county where the seed is acclimated for drought resistance and against winter killing. Some of the best incomes this year made by the large and small stockmen as well as those engaged in farming only, are from the sale of alfalfa seed. The flood on Powder River destroyed an enormous crop of alfalfa seed but fortunately the river did not spread over the entire county and elsewhere the alfalfa seed crop has returned handsome dividends. This year’s experience of farmers has more than ever demonstrated that good yields of alfalfa seed may be cleared even the first year and that the seed may be grown on the high divides as well as along the river’s lowlands. Raising alfalfa seed is making the soil pay. Many instances are known of land yielding from $40 to $70 an acre this year from the culture of alfalfa seed.

Such a contrast is the growing of wheat in this county, remote as we are from the railroad that causes extra time and expense in freighting to market. Estimated that he raises 10 bushels of wheat to the acre and pays 30 cents a bushel for freighting and after deducting the many costs before the wheat is sold, the farmer, without figuring his own wages, nets about 30 cents a bushel or about $3.00 to the acre.

Treasurer Swamped with Tax Receipts

So many taxpayers of this County waited until almost the last day to make their payments that the office of County Treasurer, J.T. Wilson, was literally swamped with the deluge of money that showered him from the different sources. It was necessary to engage the services of three deputies whose duties were to write tax receipts but so abundant was the tax money that they remained back in their work. The final time for tax payment to escape the penalty, etc. expired on the evening of November 30th. There were many who took advantage of the new law that allowed them to pay half their taxes now on real estate and there were also many who made the full payment in one lump sum.

December 3rd., 1948

Walk gets Cement and Star Boarders

Anyone looking for a warm place Monday evening could well have found it on the sidewalk in front of the Broadus Merc. Hurrying to complete the cement work on the coal chute leading to the Merc basement and to free the sidewalk for pedestrian use, cement was poured Monday enclosing the excavation. Monday evening the temperature lowered and to save the fresh cement the area was enclosed with canvas and burlap bags. An electric heater was placed inside the enclosure to ensure sufficient heat. Bedfellows on the sidewalk that evening apparently were several cats and dogs getting away from the winter blasts. No known humans were to be seen emerging Tuesday morning.

School Census has Increased

The Powder River County school census showed an increase last year for the first time in several years according to Mrs. Grace Carter, Superintendent of Schools. The total number of children between the ages of 6 to 20 is 629 which is 9 more than in the 1947 census. The children under 6 years of age total 297 which is 47 more than the 1947 census in the preschool group. There were 166 new names added and 110 names dropped from the Powder River County school census.

November 29,1973

Reminds Livestock Owners of Inspection

Sheriff Grant Gatlin reminded livestock owners Tuesday of the new law, effective July 1,1973 which makes it necessary for inspections to be made before any change of ownership of six or more animals. This is effective whether or not they are to be removed from the county, he said.

No inspection will be necessary for the sale of five head or less within the county.

Failure to comply with law, Gatlin said, could result in a fine of not less than $50.00 or more than $500.00.

Most Hunting Over

Another hunting season is all but over. Most big game rifles and shotguns have made their last bangs for the year and will quietly gather dust until next fall. With big game season at an end, rifles are being put away in closets, racks and cabinets. Some will gather dust, others will rust, and a few may even still be loaded.

A firearm obviously should not be left loaded in the home. Guns and ammunition should be stored in separate places, preferably under lock and key.

Invariably rifles will have collected moisture if they have been used much. The bore should be cleaned with a wire brush dipped in a gun cleaning solvent. Wipe it dry with a patch and oil lightly. Better yet, a little waterproof spray in a patch run through the barrel will give a protective coating.

The action should be broken down so the inner part can be inspected. Buff away light rust spots or remove with fine emery paper if necessary. Most metal parts should have a thin coat of oil or waterproof spray. There are working parts, such as firing pin springs, that should never be oiled.

November 26, 1998

Lady Hawks Basketball

A wonderful girls basketball season came to an end for a great Lady Hawk team at divisional tournament action over the weekend.

And, it was indeed a heck of a run for rookie head coach Ryan Rebsom and his Lady Hawks. They claimed the conference crown with a 9-1 record; then won three straight games to win the District 3- B championship.

At divisionals, however, the 3-B teams faced mighty tough competition. In fact, 3-B teams only won two games-against fellow conference teams; all 3 teams advancing to State are from 4-B schools.

“It was a good season. It was a lot of fun. As a whole, we had a great season. We finished 18 and 6” said Rebsom. “The girls played incredibly well the whole season. We were led by a real class act of seniors and it resulted in our success”.

The tournament, sadly, marked the end of high school careers for a very, very fine group of seniors: Mandy Samuelson, Karen Stanley, Erika Barnhart, DarAnne Dunning, Jennifer Perkins, Amber McCutchan, and Robin Turnbough. Despite their loss, the varsity will have a fine group of leaders next year: Bethany Dice, Heidi Samuelson, Stacey Thomas, Jennifer Isaacs, and LaTrisha Stradtman, along with some great talent from the JV and Freshman teams.