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

100 Years Ago – 1910

The Clifton company has raised the prices of all lots it holds within the limits of Westcliffe. The minimum price for lots now is $30.

The high wind Saturday drifted the snow very badly in this section and the outgoing train that day failed to get beyond the Kennicott ranch where it became stalled in the heavy drifts. A helper with a crew of snow shovelers was sent up from the main line and succeeded in opening up the blockade in time for the train to make a trip on Sunday in lieu of the Saturday trip.

On Wednesday an excursion was run to accommodate members of Canon City Elks Lodge No. 610 from this neck of the woods, there being included in the bunch eighteen new candidates for initiation into the lodge and with the wives and daughters of many made up a crowd that spent a happy time from the hour they departed until they returned. The resident members at Canon provided every comfort and convenience for the entertainment of their mountain visitors, a reception committee meeting them at the depot, who led the way to the hotels Denton and Strathmore, where luncheon was prepared for them. The initiations were pulled off in the afternoon.

W.W. Cafky, assistant supervisor of the census, came up from Canon City the first of the week, this being a part of the territory over which he has supervision.

50 Years Ago – 1960

New officers of the Custer County Democratic Central Committee will be elected at a meeting called for Feb. 29 at the Community building in Westcliffe. Delbert Chockley is the current chairman of the county Democrats. Other present officers include Mrs. Mary Kattnig, and Mrs. Ruby Lowney.

Joe Payton, publisher of the Wet Mountain Tribune, was elected a director of the Colorado Press Association, during that organization’s annual convention held last week-end at the Brown Palace Hotel in Denver.

We throw in the towel. By golly we’ve had enough. We all know it’s a long time until spring but just a few days of respite would be most welcome. Snow fell in measurable proportions four days the past week. Temperatures reached a low of minus-25 degrees on Feb. 24.

Mr. and Mrs. A.W. Schultz, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Miller, Marvin Miller and Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Rankin attended the open house of the Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph Co. in Canon City on Monday.

25 Years Ago – 1985

Greg Tovrea’s wrestling efforts finally paid off as he captured a heavyweight Class A state title last weekend, finishing a perfect season 25-0. The victory was Custer County High School’s first-ever state title. Several years ago, Lee Coleman came close with a second place finish.

Icy roads and hazardous driving conditions in recent days have resulted in several minor traffic accidents, according to county sheriff Bob Baker.

Dental screenings of 257 students at Custer County School resulted in close to 100 students being diagnosed with some degree of dental problems. School nurse Sue Robertson said she will be conducting educational programs to inform students of the importance of proper dental hygiene.

Bonnie Kettle Long of Bell Ranch, New Mexico, has been named ”Outstanding Young Woman of America” by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. She was nominated for the honor by the New Mexico Hereford Association. Long is a 1978 graduate of Custer County High School and is the daughter of Ben and Bet Kettle. Her husband, Keith Long, manages the registered Hereford herd at the Bell Ranch.

10 Years Ago – 2000

Two more candidates emerged this past week for county commissioner. In District 3, Bill Jack announced he will seek the Republican nomination for the seat currently held by fellow Republican Larry Handy. Also running for the post is Democrat Jim Austin. In District 2, Dick Downey says he will seek the GOP nomination for the post now being vacated by two-term Republican Cleo Day. Also running for the seat is Republican Chuck Steigerwalt.

Terry Fankhauser, director of membership for the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, and Heather Buckmaster, director of marking for the Colorado Beef Council, were featured speakers at Monday’s meeting of the Custer County Stockgrowers’ Association. Approximately 25 members attended the meeting at the Silver Cliff Senior Center.

The Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club elected officers and directors during the group’s meeting on Monday. The new president is Gene Bidon; other directors are Ned Freestone, Marci Womack, Jean Freestone, Scott Camper, Mary Kattnig, Lynn Stock, Larry Yatch and Tom Flower.

5 Years Ago – 2005

A suspected fugitive was arrested Tuesday afternoon after fleeing from local deputies in a pursuit north of Westcliffe. The 44-year-old man was taken into custody following a brief chase in which the man’s motorcycle became stuck in snow. Sheriff Fred Jobe says the man is wanted in Laramie, Wyo. on charges of larceny and assault on a police officer.

There’s something fishy going on in the CCHS agricultural department. Students Trevor Nunley and Kirt Achenbach have started an aquaculture project and are raising Tilapia, a fish now popular for human consumption.

During last week’s bi-annual meeting of the Custer County Democratic Central Committee, Parke Street was re-elected chairman. Other officers are Debbie Livengood, Mary Kattnig, Jan Hanner and Tracy Ballard.

1 Year Ago – 2009

A 20-year-old Arvada man died Sunday afternoon as a result of an ATV accident just off CR 255, the Oak Creek Grade. According to authorities, some ten young men were riding ATVs in the area when the victim’s ATV slid in mud, veered off the road and struck a tree. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Round Mountain Water and Sanitation District has named Tracey Garcia as district manager. The board also unanimously hired Wayne Jones as “operator in responsible charge.”

Dorothy Urban and Angie Arterburn are helping coordinate a workshop here next week. Titled “how money is made in tourism,” the seminar is expected to attract attendees from Custer, Fremont, Huerfano, Las Animas and Pueblo counties.