STORIES FROM THE PAST

50 years ago

Orran Ross, pioneer Imperial Valley businessman, died yesterday at his home in El Centro.

A native of Pennsylvania, Reed came to the Valley in 1917 as a salesman for the Delta Mercantile Co., a branch of the San Diego-based wholesale grocery firm, Klauber Wangenheim Co.

After establishing a home in El Centro, he traveled the plank roads through the Valley and Arizona as a salesman, rising to become vice president of the parent firm and general manager of the Delta Mercantile Co. He kept the position until his retirement in 1948.

40 years ago

Desert Valley League coaches have selected seven girls as members of the 1977 All-League basketball team after votes were tabulated at season’s end.

The DVL campaign saw the Brawley Wildcats finish first with a 9-0 record and place second in the SCIF Playoffs. The Imperial Tigers were second in the DVL race.

Releasing the names of the All-League girls, DVL officials did not disclose any vote totals. Each of the girls picked earned first-team positions.

Diane Thomas and Valerie Gray represented Brawley. Nena Mina of Central and Marchelle Youso of Palo Verde were voted All-League positions.

Susan Jensen made it and the Imperial varsity had a pair of cages selected. DVL coaches placed Tigers Kelli Reed and Lerna Thames on the All-League squad.

30 years ago

The chairman of the state Water Resources Control Board said Tuesday he wants to expedite negotiations for the transfer of conserved water from the Imperial Irrigation District to other Southern California water users.

Chairman Don Maughn’s comments came during a hearing in El Centro that examined conservation measures implemented by the district since the state board’s 1984 ruling, known as Decision 1,600, that the district was wasting water. That ruling sparked an ongoing effort by the district to transfer conserved water to urban users in exchange for the funds needed to proceed with conservation.