This Week in Odessa History

A barbed fence which had been put up across Pacific Lake in 1922 was cause for a lawsuit that went all the way to the state Supreme Court.

Ninety years ago this week, the court upheld the decision that the lake was navigable and its waters were open to all. The fence had to be removed.

The Odessa Record reported the case in its issue of November 10, 1922:

Pacific Lake is a navigable body of water. The Supreme Court of the State of Washington has declared it so.

This decision, which was recently received by attorney W.M. Nevins, council for the defendant in the case of E.J. Lant versus T.B. Wolverton, is one that is hailed with joy by fishermen and sportsmen in the Odessa area, who when it was a barren body of water and considered a worthless piece of government property, stocked Pacific Lake with fish at their own expense, only to have the lake, when fish became plentiful, homesteaded.

When the title of the land on which the lake was situated passed from Uncle Sam to individual ownership, it looked for a time as though public use as well as fishing rights of the people were endangered, but in a case in the Lincoln County Superior Court last year, Judge Joseph Sessions held that the lake was a navigable piece of water and as such must be kept free from fences or other obstructions to traffic.

The Supreme Court decision in confirming that opinion practically settles the matter for all time, unless Mr. Lant makes application for a rehearing, which he has the privilege of doing any time within 30 days after the decision was rendered.

Pacific Lake, seven miles north of Odessa, is 1¾ miles long and in places more than a quarter of a mile in width. Its depth varies from 14 to 25 feet.

About 200 acres of the water are on property owned by Mr. Lant, and eight acres belong to Mr. Wolverton. The east end of the lake is on Joe Silva’s land. Mr. Silva’s place is one of the first that was taken up in the Odessa country and he has had no part in the trouble between the other owners.

Lant and Wolverton both have a line of boats for hire to fishermen and the trouble started when Lant one winter built a fence, which was intended to keep Wolverton’s boats off the lake.

Lant at that time also notified private owners of boats they would have to pay him $5 a year for the privilege of keeping a boat on his part of the lake. A suit was brought, after a restraining order had been issued by the court, and Wolverton won in both courts.

100 Years Ago

From The Odessa Record

November 29, 1912

Over 100 citizens turned out to the caucus held at the town hall Monday evening to place in nomination a ticket for the municipal election December 3 and while there were several exciting contests, the best of feeling prevailed throughout the meeting.

Fred Thiel and E.J. Kriegler were placed in nomination for mayor to succeed O.F. Minch and W.L. Michaelsen. L.A. Guth and H.C. Phillips were appointed as tellers to distribute the ballots and count the vote. The count gave Mr. Thiel 61 votes and Mr. Kriegler 35 votes, and Mr. Thiel was declared the nominee of the caucus for mayor.

Jos. Kriegler and Hy. W. Rieke were placed in nomination for town treasurer, the latter withdrawing his name, and Mr. Keigler being nominated by acclamation.

75 Years Ago

From The Odessa Record

November 11,1937

The Odessa American Legion dedicated its new meeting hall and social center at the reception on Monday night, followed by an installation of officers.

Officers installed were A.M. Amende, commander; A.W. Birge, first vice commander; Basil Oliver, second vice commander; G.A. Weber, adjutant; J.B. Odell, finance officer; J.P. Keller, chaplain; F.B. Totusek, service officer; A.L. Minard, historian, and Ed Kiesz, sergeant at arms.

During the past year the legion purchased the former Washington Water Power office and through donated labor the building has been converted into a legion hall.

David Jeske did not go hunting this year, but did eat a wild duck dinner. As he worked about his ranch on Monday he saw a wild duck flop into the yard. Not realizing it was a duck, he investigated, finding the bird had been shot and lost its strength as it flew over the Jeske ranch. It tasted just as good as though he had killed it himself, he stated.

A steady rain that fell during the early part of the week, with precipitation heavy since Sunday, has put the winter wheat in splendid condition.

25 Years Ago

From The Odessa Record

November 12, 1987

The Tiger defense was quick and hardnosed at Lind last Friday, holding their hosts in yardage gained, tackling with force and precision, and going for the ball at every opportunity.

Five Odessa High School seniors played their final regular season game for the football team last Friday as the Tigers ran roughshod over Lind 59-12, in a game shortened by the 45-point rule.

The seniors are quarterback Shane Gilbert, fullback Chuck Smith, ends Brian Neale and Kody Johnson and guard Kevin Kiehn.

It was the second time in as many weeks a game ended short of the clock for the Tigers. A week ago at Waterville’s homecoming, the Shockers couldn’t keep up and the match stopped mid-fourth quarter.

10 Years Ago

From The Odessa Record

November 14, 2002

Thanks to the enthusiasm and energy of eight Odessa youngsters who scoured the town last Saturday to collect food donations, about two dozen families in need are assured of a bountiful Thanksgiving dinner this year.

“The kids did a good job,” said Food Bank coordinator Laura Estes. Nearly 1,800 pounds of food donated by generous residents of Odessa were picked up by the Scouts and their helpers.

Plans are well under way for Christmas Fest 2002, the community festival which welcomes the holiday season.

Fifty vendors’ tables have already been reserved, said volunteer coordinator Audrey Beck.

Framework for the first building in the Odessa Industrial Park’s expansion program took shape this week. The structure will be a 40x25-foot office building for Seed-rite, Inc. The firm’s warehouse and mixing facility will be housed in an adjacent 17,000-square-foot steel building.

There was a nearly full house in the chambers of the Odessa Town Council Tuesday night for the public hearing on the final assessment roll for the local improvement district formed to finance a portion of the First Avenue enhancement program.

“I am pleased with the way the project turned out,” wrote Delbert Cook, who has operated his business on First Avenue since 1950. “I hope the new street and sidewalks attract more people to come downtown and keep the main streets busy,” he stated.