100 years ago
Recently elected state Rep. Fred W. Brooker, R-Lake Shore, declared his main issue upon taking his seat in the House would be removing tolls from the Interstate 5 Bridge. Brooker said tolls drove industries and new residents from Vancouver and Clark County. The “free bridge” movement succeeded in its aims when tolls were removed in December 1929.
75 years ago
In the second week of December 1947, Truman administration officials presented a proposal to cap prices on essential wares to combat inflation, which climbed to over 20 percent that year. Legislation allowing price controls on items in short supply lapsed the year prior, resulting in surging costs for everyday items.
50 years ago
On Dec. 17, 1972, shoppers in Clark County went “wild,” according to one local butcher, in anticipation of a price hike of at least 13 percent. Another local meat cutter noted the price of meat had been “gradually going up for the last couple of years,” with no relief for consumers.
25 years ago
On Dec. 17, 1997, Gov. Gary Locke announced the proposed state budget for the next year. It included big benefits for Clark County, such as massive investments in infrastructure, rural development, and more funding for education and health care. After months of back and forth between lawmakers, the budget made its way to Locke’s desk in April 1998.
