May 26, 2002 Looking Back is assembled each week from the files of The Chronicle by Elroy King. 20 Years Ago, May 26, 1982 A group called Irate Ratepayers plan to incorporate here and is focusing its attention on rates and operations of the Northern Wasco County's People's Utility District. Eight members raised questions Tuesday night at the PUD meeting. Lee Lathrop, speaking for the group, said that articles of incorporation would be filed shortly. Two city employee groups have voted to accept a wage freeze and a third was still considering that proposal this morning, just minutes before the budget committee was to meet and make a final decision on submitting a levy to voters on the June 29 ballot. City manager Del Cesar said the unions representing firemen city employees had voted by noon to go along with the wage freeze, but the union representing policemen had voted "no". 40 Years Ago, May 26, 1962 A four member board Tuesday night will recount the ballots from the May 7 three district school consolidation election. Wally Kruger and Mrs. Artis Edling from the Chenowith district, William R. Salisbury from Rowena (Oregon) and Earle Molesworth from Mosier (Oregon) will make the re-tally. The recount, ordered by the rural school board on instructions from Secretary of State Howell Appling Jr. after the filing of a request by Everett F. Holcomb of Mosier, was considered a possible preliminary to filing of a petition of contest in circuit court. 60 Years Ago, May 26, 1942 The Dalles much discussed and long-serious grade crossing problem located west of the local tank farms, seemed well on its way toward a solution here today with the announcement of the Public Utility Commissioner Ormand R. Bean at Salem (Oregon) that the Union Pacific Railroad had been ordered to close the crossing and to install a new one 850 feet west of the present one. Explaining that the existing crossing is dangerous and that 52 tasoline trucks are operated over it daily, Bean is quoted by the Associated Press as saying that the new crossing would have much better visibility. Wasco County this morning received formal approval from the War Production Board, Washington, D.C. for the purchase of a county fire truck, it was announced today by Judge J.B. Kirk, who said that arrangements already have been made for the purchase and that the truck will be acquired immediately. 80 Years Ago, May 26, 1922 The second verdict of not guilty to be brought in by a mixed jury at the present term of the Wasco County circuit court last night freed Mrs. Florence Morton Little on a charge of manufacturing intoxicating liquor. The trial was comparatively short, starting yesterday morning and going to the jury at 4:30 o'clock in the afternoon. A verdict was brought in at 9::30 in the evening. Four candidates, Earl Franz and Fred Thomsen of Hood River (Oregon), and Fred Kolt and W.G. Anderson, were initiated into The Dalles lodge No. 303, B.P.O.E. (Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks) last night. Dr. Ben L. Norden of Portland, district deputy exalted ruler of the lodge, was in attendance at last night's meeting. 100 Years Ago, May 26, 1902 It is not surprising that the friends of Mrs. Sarah Horton were surprised to see her on the streets of The Dalles yesterday when but a few days since The Chronicle announced her death. The friend who asked us to mention her demise while regretting the error very much, was happily surprised to find her mistake. Saturday N. Harris disposed of his dry-good store to the Buyers Association and the business will be under the management of Lowit and Wolfe. The former was recently with Bloomingdale of New York and Mr. Wolfe is a brother of Wolfe of the firm Lippman and Wolfe, Portland. Written permission to reprint Looking Back-A Glimpse Through the Chronicle's Files given by The Dalles Chronicle, The Dalles, Oregon. Copied and submitted by Earline Wasser.