50 years ago: The mystery of a rain of white plastic objects was solved when it was discovered a weather balloon had plopped down into Kootenay Lake. The 500-pound instrument package of a United States upper atmosphere balloon dropped by parachute in response to U.S. Airforce electronic signals from Spokane Washington. The package was salvaged by local police and volunteers and was turned over to the U.S. Airforce.
45 years ago: Work was to begin shortly on a stretch of highway from Banff to Windermere from mile 63.4 to mile 64.9. Complete reconstruction was expected to take at least two years. The reconstruction of the hot pools in Radium was also expected to start that year, as plans had been made to enlarge the pools to bring them closer to the aquacourt.
35 years ago: Wearing seat belts became mandatory for motor vehicle drivers and passengers aged six and over in British Columbia. The legislation was aimed at reducing the number of serious injuries and fatalities on B.C. highways by at least 50 per cent. According to a recent report on Canadian mortality rates, auto accidents were the leading cause of death among people aged 6 to 30 at the time.
25 years ago: Invermere taxpayers were paying for a recent spat of vandalism, as they were expected to fork out a total of $9,000 for the year to fix signs and irrigation systems at Kinsmen beach, where sprinkler heads had been kicked off. The RCMP suspected the vandalism was being caused by a group of young adults, with street signs likely having knocked down with the aid of a vehicle.
20 years ago: A proposal for an employment assistance centre in the Windermere Valley had been submitted to Employment and Immigration Canada. Officials had indicated they were very much in favour of the proposal, which would see a $80,000 per year employment referral service come to the valley. Employers looking for employees could also register their requirements, and the two sides could be matched.
5 years ago: Regional District of East Kootenay Electoral Area F residents were being asked to fill out a survey indicating if they supported the Jumbo Glacier Resort. The survey was being undertaken by Area F director Lillian Rose, and the aim was to allow residents and property owners have their voice be heard in the ongoing discussions.