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Looking back: This week in the history of Powell River

2009 Powell River Search and Rescue members found a missing 34-year-old Powell River man whose vehicle broke down near Lewis Lake. After being missing for almost two days, search and rescue found the man in a wooded area in good condition.
Lillian Warman Powell River
Lillian Warman of Powell River became the first woman in BC to be honoured for an outstanding contribution to juvenile soccer. She was presented with a framed certificate of merit by Don MacKenzie, area director of BC Juvenile Soccer Association. The award is made by association directors for outstanding contributions to juvenile soccer. Powell River News photo, September 18, 1969

2009

Powell River Search and Rescue members found a missing 34-year-old Powell River man whose vehicle broke down near Lewis Lake. After being missing for almost two days, search and rescue found the man in a wooded area in good condition.

BC Supreme Court hears a legal challenge initiated by Catalyst Paper Corporation against City of Powell River, Campbell River, North Cowichan and Port Alberni, which cited unreasonably high municipal industrial taxes.

Powell River Kings four-year veteran Reid Campbell unveils the 2008/2009 Cliff McNabb Coastal Conference Championship banner prior to the team’s first game of the 2009/2010 season.

 

1999

After a two-month shutdown, Powell River Rod and Gun Club reopened. Provincial government inspectors closed the range due to the possibility of overshoots and ricochets.

RCMP welcomed new sergeant Andy Brinton, who started his career in Gibsons 18 years earlier. He also had stints in Boston Bar, Prince Rupert, the Lower Mainland and Parksville.

Marjorie Henry brought home three swimming gold medals from the BC Senior Games in Fernie. In the 75 to 79 age group, Henry took first place in the 25, 50 and 100-metre backstroke. She also won three silver and one bronze medal.

 

1989

It took 10 days for Powell River’s newest millionaire to discover he had won the September 6 Lotto 6/49 jackpot. The ticket, purchased at Villa Esso, was worth $1,857,007.90.

New justice of the peace Elsie Paul was sworn into office during a brief ceremony in provincial court.

Internationally recognized Christian musical group The Continetal Singers and Orchestra accepts Daniel Chandra for a tour of the United States and Europe after the local resident auditioned earlier in the summer.

 

1979

Vancouver Canucks training camp continued with players signing autographs between practices and scrimmages for youngsters at Powell River Recreation Complex. Powell River’s Gary Lupul was one of several rookies vying for a spot on the NHL team.

17-year-old Bruce Alcock estimated a cod that was weighed in at 45 pounds after being dressed must have been at least 52 pounds when he caught it off the Hulks in front of Powell River’s pulp and paper mill.

No pets were injured when a fire broke out at a pet store in Westview. Firefighters were alerted to the blaze and put it out before flames reached the main area of the store.

 

1964

A Powell River couple lost their family automobile when the car caught fire while they were driving on Mahood’s logging road. The car carried no firefighting equipment.

Council has requested two additional floats for the small boat harbour in Westview.

It is doubtful that summer wharfage rates in Powell River will be halved for winter mooring following a council meeting here.

Tenders have been called for Wildwood Bridge and approaches by the highways department. Deadline for the tenders is October 1. The bridge is expected to be in operation by next spring.

 

1959

Damp weather has kept fire hazards in low.

A warning that no “monkey business” will be tolerated has received the full cooperation of the student body at Brooks school. The warning came from principal Harvey McKirdy.

First service of the new Church of Jesus Christ and the Latter Day Saints will be held on Sunday.

 

1954

RCN frigate, New Glasgow, arrived in Powell River to take part in the opening ceremonies of the Powell River Exhibition. An open house was held aboard ship for PR residents.

Rainfall in Powell River area broke another record with a total of 2.61 inches of rain falling during 18 days. This surpasses the former 18-day mark by .34 inches.

A delegation from the Westview Flying Club asked council to leave the trees at the south end of the airport standing because dangerous cross winds would develop if the trees were removed. Council has already let a contract for the removal of the trees.

 

1949

Almost continual shuttle service between Westview and Vancouver provided by Gulf Lines was slashed to four trips a week due to lack of passengers.

Elks have started work bees to beautify the outside grounds around the lodge building in Powell River.

Organization of a yacht club was discussed by Westview Village Commissioners who felt that such a club would help alleviate some of the problems arising from the operation of the small boat harbour.

 

1944

BC’s Pulp and Paper industry viewed the post-war period with some anxiety with Russia in mind as a high competitor.

No. 5 paper machine was installed in the Powell River mill with the intention that production would increase by about 60 tons a day.

Because of the high fire hazard the woods were closed on the eve of the start of hunting season.

 

1939

A new gymnasium was built at the end of the high school building. It will seat 700 as an auditorium or 500 as a gymnasium.

Player damage was heavy as checking went wild in a Kellie versus Home Gas lacrosse game. Dan Hopkins suffered a broken jaw. Ray Raimondo suffered bruised ribs and Gus Doyle suffered a hit on the head.

A gasoline tank ignited and burned a Powell River man about the face. While he was filling up his gas tank, someone lit a match to help.

 

1934

Fall fair will be held this Saturday at Dwight Hall. All exhibits must be in by Friday as the directors will be too busy to process any after Friday.

Nanaimo defeated Powell River in a football (soccer) game last weekend by a 3-2 score.

Local Elks used Labour Day as Flag Day to amuse the youngsters of Powell River. Miss Paper Queen was crowned. She is Anna White of Henderson School.

Vancouver Arrows baseball team will play here on Saturday.

Westview knocked off Cranberry to enter the local lacrosse finals.

 

1929

Elks Flag Day, always a favourite event, was held on Labour Day.

A Powell River man was killed in Turner Valley on an oil rig when hit on the back of the head by falling tools.