(Information was gleaned from copies of the Wet Mountain Tribune, all from the third week in January.)

100 Years Ago – 1910

Monday’s outgoing train failed to reach the main line on Monday as the result of snow drifts which were piled into the cuts during the high winds of Sunday night. Out near Ula the engine got stalled in the snow and went off the track while trying to force the way through the drifts. This resulted in an all-day tie-up and the outgoing passengers returned to town in vehicles. One of the big mechanical “hogs” came up from Pueblo during the night and everything was all right for traffic again Tuesday morning.

The use of a flauger to open up the railroad track is something that never was witnessed on the Westcliffe branch until the past week, when heavy snow drifts made it necessary.

Chas. J. Donahoe has sold his livery business and property to Gotthart Frank and Gus Addington, who took possession last week. Mr. Donahoe during his term built up a thriving business, greatly adding to the equipment of the stable, and we believe the young gentlemen who succeeded him are possessed of the same mettle, at least to such a degree that they will strive to render patrons the same prompt and efficient service that has always characterized Mr. Donahoe’s conduct of the business. We bespeak for the new firm, Frank & Addington, as it is styled a good livery business here and wish them prosperity in their undertaking.

50 Years Ago – 1960

Mrs. Genevieve Stewart and Mrs. Ruth Luthi attended the regular meeting of the Kit Carson Volunteer Services council last week at the Air Force Academy near Colorado Springs. Mrs. Stewart is president of the Council.

Sandra Cope was installed as worthy advisor of Westcliffe Assembly, Order of Rainbow Girls at a very impressive ceremony here Sunday afternoon. Other officers installed were Evelyn Berry, Thelma Vahldick, Lynn DuBridge, Nana Lee Benson, Judy Reis, Shirley Weis, Karen Kelly, Katherine Carr, Judy Cope, Lola Chockley, Diane Ferron, Darlene Hobby, Leona Chockley, Lois Lowney, Lynne Kelly, Shirley Kline, Betty Kline, Carol Vahldick, and Carol Buzzi. Joining the installing officers were Walter Hanssen, chaplain; Shirley Entz, musician; Lois Ferron, recorder; and vocalists Eileen DuBridge and Jean Rusk.

Starr Yelland, Colorado 1960 Heart Fund chairman, today announced that Mylo P. Cope has been named Custer County chairman.

25 Years Ago – 1985

In two days, large white X’s in the middle of the runway at the county airport in Silver Cliff will warn pilots that the runway and airport have been abandoned. The new county airport, located on 120-acres of land about 12-miles south of Westcliffe, was obtained in a land swap with the Cuerno Verde Airport Associates, headed by James Robert and Wray Pedro. The land swap took place last Wednesday, and at the same time, members of the Custer County Airport Authority were sworn into office. They are chairman Whitney Sullivan and directors Dale Hoag, Don Bishop, Ron Albritton and Butch Randall.

A new county extension agent arrived this week at the county courthouse, taking over the duties of agent Bill King, who accepted a transfer to Boulder County in late November. New agent Mike Wheeling and his wife, Barb, recently arrived in Westcliffe from Montana. He started his assignment here on Tuesday.

About 40 people met for the monthly Chamber of Commerce dinner meeting last Wednesday at the Conquistador Ski Area’s new Avalanche Room. Bob Halenda, newly elected president of the Southern Colorado Tourism Board, introduced the guest speaker, Rick Meredith, deputy director of the Colorado State Tourism Board in Denver.

10 Years Ago – 2000

A 52-year-old Colorado Springs man died Sunday afternoon on Highway 67 on the curve just north of Wetmore when his motorcycle, traveling at a high rate of speed, ran off the roadway. His 34-year-old female passenger sustained serious injuries.

The Fremont-Custer Historical Society is the new owner of a cemetery located some 12 miles north of Westcliffe on the Oak Creek Grade. Gus Gustafson of Canon City, president of the historical society, says it’s unknown if it was a family cemetery or if it served the surrounding communities of Ilse, Yorkville and Galena. George Papp of Canon City donated the small property to the group.

Les and Marianne Franklin of the Shaka Franklin Foundation for Youth in Denver have announced plans to develop a youth camp and retreat center on a 240-acre property they are purchasing along the Oak Creek Grade north of town. The foundation, named after their son who committed suicide at age 16, offers workshops, programs and counseling services to troubled youth.

5 Years Ago – 2005

A crowd of 200 attended Sunday’s fund-raiser at the Saddle Club building to raise funds for victims of the Christmas tsunami which ravaged coastal regions of south-central Asia. The event raised $7,000 which will be added to the $3,000 already collected for the Red Cross.

The Community Spirit campaign sponsored by the Wet Mountain Valley Community Foundation will be distributing some $90,000 to 30 local non-profit organizations. The foundation matched contributions from the public. The foundation hopes to make this an annual event.

A few years ago, drought conditions plagued the Valley, but recent snowstorms and cold temperatures, combined with heavy winds, continue to give the county a wintry appearance. As of Tuesday, the snow pack equivalent at the South Colony SNOTEL site was 155 percent above long term averages.

1 Year Ago – 2009

A standing-room-only crowd filled Edwardo’s restaurant in downtown Westcliffe Tuesday morning to watch on TV the presidential inauguration ceremonies in Washington, D.C., and to applaud our nation’s new president, Barack Obama. Attendees said there were cheers, flowing tears, and flowing champagne. The celebration was hosted by the Custer County Democratic Central Committee.

On Tuesday, local businessman and author Douglas Schulz solemnly announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination to pursue the office of U.S. President in the 2012 election. The event was held at the Custer County Courthouse with about 30 people in attendance.

Custer County High School junior Colby Colgate has been selected to represent the Sangre de Cristo Electric Assn. at a National Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. in June. She won the all-expense paid trip after submitting a winning essay on energy efficiency.