75 Years Ago – Feb. 8, 1945
New youth organization formed in Presque Isle — The local council of the Knights of Columbus, under the direction of E. A. Gagnon, Grand Knight and State Committeeman, sponsored the Father James A. Hayes Circle of the Columbian Squires.
This circle was organized and the following officers were elected: Father Prior, Rev. Abel Hebert; Chief Squire, Patrick Hayes; Deputy Squire, John Sweeney; Notary, Joseph Barresi; Bursar, Benoit Cyr; Marshal, Hubert Thibodeau; 1st Captain, Robert Flewelling; 2nd Captain, James Willett; Sentry, Edward O’Donnell; and Auditors, Lewis Fraser, Hollis Smith and James Hargroves.
Presque Isle woman honored — Miss Sue V. Thompson was appointed Aroostook County representative of The Woman’s Acting Committee for Victory and Peace according to a communication received from Mrs. Norman De-R-Whitehouse, National chairman of New York City. Miss Thompson was the first woman in the County to be thus honored.
50 Years Ago – Feb. 11, 1970
Tri-Hi-Y held an induction service — The Washburn Chapter of Tri-Hi-Y held their candlelight induction service of new members at the high school gymnasium Feb. 6. Those inducted were Molly McBreairty, Lorinda Plissey, Sharon Ewing, Terri Theriault, Jo Ann Drost, Melody Silver, Linda Tardy and Debbie Drost. The meeting was opened by the president, Loretta Plissey, following devotions given by the chaplain, Patsy Campbell. The Induction Message was given by Loreta Plissey, Beverly Cole, Barbara A. Maynard and adviser, Mrs. Mary Humphrey. Following the message, the new members lit their candles. The service was closed by the chaplain. Co-advisor Mrs. James Humphrey also attended.
Local woman named chief operator — Ruby O. Garrison of Presque Isle was appointed New England Telephone group chief operator in Presque Isle. A native of Thomasville, Georgia, Mrs. Garrison was a graduate of Thomasville High School. She joined the company in 1946 and had served as an operator and supervisor in Presque Isle.
Naomi Ruth’s first award — A representative of The Maine Dental Auxiliary, Mrs. Kenneth Bonenfant of Presque Isle, donated a silver toothbrush to Naomi Ruth Gough, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Beverly Gough of Easton, the first baby to be born during National Children’s Dental Health Week, Feb. 1 to Feb. 7 at A.R. Gould Memorial Hospital.
25 Years Ago – Feb. 8, 1995
UMPI camp winners named — The 1994 North Star basketball camp was held at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, with more than 70 players in grades 3-8 taking part. Winning awards were, in the morning session for grades 3-5, Nick Casavant, Miranda Condon, Ryan Graves and Billi Blanchard of Presque Isle; Kristi Brooker of Island Falls and Ryan O’Neal of Limestone. For grades 6-8, coming away with trophies were Andy Rasche, Arika Rowbotham, Billie Hayward and Brianna Blanchard of Presque Isle; Shane Bradstreet of Bridgewater and Edward Barnes of Easton. The director of the camp was Karl Henrikson, coach of the UMPI men’s basketball team.
First Citizens Bank set new performance records in 1994 — David I. Dorsey, president and CEO of First Citizens Bank, announced Jan. 23, that the bank established new performance records during 1994, including increases of 25 percent or more in net income, total assets, loans and deposits. The bank posted net income of $572,788 for the year, an increase of 25.2 percent over 1993. The bank’s growth was fueled by a significant increase in its loan portfolio. Total loans increased by 33 percent or $15.4 million during the year.
