80 Years Ago
January 5, 1938
– The Town of Napanee started the year with two new councillors as George Chalk and F.J. Vanalstine were the two top vote getters among nine on the ballot for council. They would take the place of defeated 1937 councillors W.S. Exley and M. B. Luffman. The rest of the council remained unchanged under the leadership of Mayor A.S. Hughson, who was acclaimed for his second term.
– Napanee and Picton faced off in the opening game of the new OHA Junior C hockey league as more than 500 people packed the stands for a 70-minute contest at the Picton arena.
The teams skated to a 5-5 tie after overtime was in the box. Walt Gerow Jr. led the Napanee side with two goals and three assists, including the tying goal late in the third period.
The Napanee squad was hoping to build on its opening effort as it prepared to host Trenton in its first home game two nights later.
-The Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation recommended the province institute an examination fee for students teachers felt had low chances of success in their exams. The fee would be rebated to students who are successful. The federation argued the fee would save the expense of marking exams for students who prepared poorly leading into their departmental finals.
The teachers also urged the province to provide thorough medical care, including dentistry for all secondary school students.
40 Years Ago
January 4, 1978
– Napanee police were busy investigating two break-in thefts. The first occurred Dec. 29 when a 300-lb. safe was taken from Gray’s Drug Store overnight. An undisclosed amount of cash was inside the safe. Thieves gained entry by kicking in a side garbage shoot, then entering the drug store through the basement. Police say the same route was used to get the safe out of the building.
Then, on Jan 1. thieves entered the Napanee Mall through a rear door with Drennan’s Ltd. and Ryan’s Colour and Sound ransacked. High-end goods, including television and stereo equipment, leather coats, and suits were taken.
Police suspected “professional” bandits were responsible for both of the break-in crimes.
– Sheffield Township refused to pay its dues for the Moira River Conservation Authority as its councillors felt the township was not being treated as an equal partner in the authority’s business. The decision stemmed from the authority’s decision to rename the Sheffield Conservation Area after the Belleville Yardmen.