The Tooele Transcript Bulletin has published Tooele County news since 1894. Here is a flashback of local front-page news from 25, 50, 75 and 100 years ago that occurred during the fourth week of February.
Feb. 26 and 28, 1991
Tooele City officials debated about whether to allow Affiliated Metallurgical Engineering Co. to open a precious metal refinery within city limits. They asked for 30 days to review the refinery plans.
The Tooele County Planning Commission approved Dick Fassio’s request to move his egg farm from Erda to Burmester Road near Grantsville, reversing their previous decision. Fassio had asked the commission to reconsider.
President Bush also ordered a ceasefire in the Persian Gulf War.
Feb. 22 and 25, 1966
A new stake center in Grantsville for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was scheduled for dedication Feb. 27. Tooele Army Depot also planned to host an amateur show with 20 acts “ranging from grand opera to hillbilly songs” on Feb. 26.
Burt Rouse of the U.S. Forest Service told the Tooele Chamber of Commerce a ski resort could be placed in Willow Canyon if snow yield stayed consistent and a road was built. The Laguna Salada Speedway also opened near Mexicali, Baja, California, but the Bonneville Salt Board said it wasn’t worried about competition.
Feb. 25 and 28, 1941
Several brief stories on the front page announced a funeral, missionary farewell, upcoming basketball game, and a recent serious eye operation undergone by a Tooele citizen. Army Staff Sgt. William W. Ellis also announced Elmer Searle of Tooele was the youngest first sergeant in the Army at age 23.
That same week, the State Tax Commission issued 1,700 new 1941 license plates to Tooele County residents. An estimated 1,200 residents still needed to pick up plates.
Feb. 25, 1916
Workers at the O.K. Mine at Indian Springs near Vernon filled an ore car with 488 ounces of silver, some gold and copper. The ore was of a higher grade and expected to sell for $12,000. However, snowy weather made it difficult for the three- or four-horse teams to haul the ore to the railroad. Swen Nelson was foreman of the mine at the time.
Meanwhile, at the Six Mile Spring and Death Canyon mines, Adam Cook, John Alwood and their crews continued to work. “When the snow melts off this spring there will be an influx of prospectors around these mountains and it is expected that more mines will be opened up,” the reporter wrote.
Jessica Henrie compiled this report.