davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1937-02-25

in refugee work in the flood district
A contingent of 20 men were started
fer Tennessee but bridges were
washed out so they were routed to
Barton, Ark, where Joe had charge
of negro refugee camp.
! Andrew WahlstrOm who had the
misfortune to break a bone in his
right heel while remodeling the b il
err in his creamery, will be laid up
for period of two or three weeks.
The work is being carried on by Ted
FredericksOn of Grandy, and Art Pear
son and other employees. When this
new equipment is installed, Mr.. VAIL
strOm will have an up-tO-date cream
cry.
Mr.. and Mrs. Frank Imam re-
ceived letter from their son-in-law
and daughter, Mr.. and Mrs. Harry A.
Bailey, of Alexandria, stating that
they were the proud parents, of girl
born to them February 9. The other
daughter, Dolores, ii years old, who
Summer time. is attending / ign sc DOL.
Mr.. and Mrs. GraydOn Bachmann
and children and Mr.. and Mrs. VIM
Rindsland of Minneapolis, spent the
weekend here with Mrs. Ida Bach
mann, returning to their home Sunday
evening.
Professor Arnold Kelm csc rted the
sophomore class of 35 members to a
STOW in Moose Lake last Thursday
night. The play was THE Longest
! Night"
Mr.. and Mrs. Herb Johnson and
daughter. Sherin. Grace Mossberg and
Supt. and Mrs. c. G. Aakhus spent
the weekend at the home of Mr. and
Mrs. Ben Ecker. They returned Sun
day evening
Hazel GOring of Pine City, and
Blaine O'Malley of Hinckley, spent the
weekend here, returning Sunday
night.
! Dorothy Sherwin, daughter of Rev.
and Mrs. Sherwin, who was pastor in
the Presbyterian church here several
years, ago, visited Minnie BOchek and
her mother over the weekend. Miss
Ao'Cl " III 10 IHC tCdCllllS oIoll dl
Wadena.
Mr.. and Mrs. Grant Thompson and
daughter. Airline, who are located at
the DuXbury camp, spent Sunday with
their parents here. Mr.. and Mrs. M.
J. Thompson and Mr.. and Mrs. Ed
Goring.
The finance committees of the COM
munity met at the home of Mrs. E.
B. Linsley Monday afternoon and made
arrangement for a card party to be
held at the schoolhouse Thursday
evening at eight o'clock. The COM
mittee members chosen were Mrs. Ed
GOring, Mrs. Ann Anderson, Mrs. AL
bert Klatt, Mrs. Gustave Klatt and
Mrs. Louis Gerard. The other COM
mittee consists of Mrs. E. B. Linsley
Mrs. C. E. Whiting, Mrs. Charles Gold
man, Mrs. Oscar Larson and Mrs
WahlstrOm. Prizes will be given for
whist and bunco and everyone is in
vited to attend and enjoy the evening
with friends.
Mr.. and Mrs. ]. d. Burns and Mr.
and Mrs. Victor Price made business
trip to Duluth Tuesday.
Mr.. and Mrs. Stanley Price of ST.
Paul, spent several days recently at
the homes of Mr.. and Mrs. j. ID. Burns
and Guy Price.
Miss Helen Novak. who is employed
at the East Hennepin cafe in Mime
apolis, is spending a week at the
home of her parents, Mr.. and Mrs
Lawrence Novak.
Mr.. and Mrs. A. E. Anderson and
Leona mOtored to White Bear Lake
Sunday and returned Monday evening
They visited Mrs. Anderson's father
Miss Lucille Stepan, who was en-
plOyed in ST. Paul, is spending a
months vacation at the home of hel
parents, Mr.. and Mrs. j. H. Stepan
Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1937-02-25
HARLIS

Geo. SorensOn went to Cloquet Sun
day.
Ed Thomson called at the Geo.
Sorenson home Sunday morning.
Mr.. and Mrs. Ed Thomson had COM
pany last week from Washington.
Some of the Harris folks attended
the dancing lessons given in the hall
in Holyoke Wednesday night of last
week.
Jim Pickett called at the Johnson
home Monday.
Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1937-02-25

son of Moose Lake, spent Wednesday
afternoon of last week at the Click
ner home.
Mrs. Philips called at the Back
strom home last Thursday afternoon.
The Misses Myrtle and Sigrid Over
land called at the Schjeldahl home
Monday afternoon.
Church services will be held at the
Caroline Backstrom home Sunday aft
ernoOn at o'clock. All are welcome.
Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1937-02-25
SANDSTONE BIBLE CHURCH

Sunday services February 2S-Sun-
day school, 10 a. M, all ages; morn
ing service, II a. m, subject, Walk
ing in the Light. Second sermon from
the first chapter of the Epistle of
John God is Light" Our fellowship
with Him depends upon walking in
tie Light John Is. p. m, Bear
Greek, Sunday school. p. m, gospel
service, subject. Going the Wrong Di-
rection. We invite you to listen to
the gospel.
"wednesday, p. m, Bible study and
prayer meeting.
Thursday, p. m, Missionary club.
r. DUERSEN, Pastor.
Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1937-02-25
CARD OF THANKS

We are taking this opportunity Of
thanking our friends and neighbOrs
for the assistance during the illness
and death of our beloved son and
friend; also for the beautiful floral
and mass offerings.
Mr.. and Mrs. Total Price.
Dorothy Price and Ted.
Mr.. and Mrs. Milton Price.
Sophia Novak.
Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1937-02-25

I'm going to sell my kisses for
charity at the dedication of the new
city hall at fifteen cents a kiss
hows that for a bargain?" asked a
prominent lady to her friend.
'Oh, that's all right everybody ex-
poets to be cheated at these charity
affairs, anyway" replied her friend
Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1937-02-25
WILLOW RIVER
Club Gives Program.


The Community club met at the
schOOlhOuse last Thursday night. Mrs.
A E. Borchardt, president, conducted
the meeting. The club funds were so
depleted that it was necessary to dis
continue giving presents to those who
leave the club each year.
Other business was taken care of
and the following program was given:
a travel film on Ethiopia and ma
ture study on PLANT Life" by Mr..
Anderson of Minneapolis, represent
ing a protector company; piano solo,
Under the Double Eagle" by Wag-
ner, Mrs. Rubian Stende; a reading
dialect, Mrs. Arthur Pearson; viO-
lin selection, a Brahms waltz, Mil
dred SchOen, accompanied by Miss
Bochek at the piano. Miss SchOen Is
from Sturgeon Lake and received her
musical training from her sister, Mrs.
Labert Henderson, of Moose Lake, and
has taken some of her work from
Fred Bradley of the Bradley School
of Music in Duluth Her selection
was very good and she played it we'll
Those on The program committee We're
Miss Lorraine Telander, Miss Tavern
Olson and Mrs. Arthur Pearson. After
the program nice lunch was served
by Mrs. r. l.. Stende, Mrs. j. r. STAN
ton and Mrs. Frank Stepan.
Mr.. and Mrs. VIM. Oien of Lawler,
came here Monday at the invitation
of Mrs. Herb Johnson to demonstrate
cooking dishes and a new method of
cooking meats and vegetables without
water. They cooked and served a very
nice dinner and then Mr.. Oien gave
a very instructive sales talk to the in
vited guests.
Arnold Klatt, who has been work
ing at New Brighton the past winter,
returned home Sunday for a few days
vacation.
Harry Stapleton, Mr.. and Mrs. Ed
Suk of Duluth, and other friends of
Duluth, came here Sunday. Mrs. Suk
remained with her mother, Mrs. Anna
Golfer, while the rest went on to Min
neapolis, where they spent the day.
They all returned to Duluth in the
evening.
Ann Backaanon came from St. Paul
to spend the weekend with her sister,
Mrs. VIM. Ehmke, and family.
Gladys Thompson came home Sat-
urday morning from Duluth, with Carl
Hall and Bud McManas who were en-
route to Minneapolis to attend a vol
leyball tournament. Hilda went to
the city with them to do some shop
ping. They returned in the evening.
Gladys returned to Duluth Monday
evening.
Mr.. and Mrs. Charles Olson spent
last Thursday with Mr.. and Mrs. M.
]. Thompson.
Mrs. Ed Bohaty and Mrs Leo Price
were sponsors for party given at the
home of Mrs. Milton Price last Thurs
day. The occasion was baby shower
to which her many friends gladly re-
sponded. The evening was spent at
cards and delicious lunch was
served. If the Community club had
not been in session the same evening
several other ladies would also have
been in attendance at the party.
Mrs. E. c. Whiting, who went to a
clinic recently, has recovered and is
| feeling much better.
Mr.. and Mrs. Herbert Swanson of
Forest Lake, and baby, Jean, left Mon
day after spending the weekend here
| James Ogilvie, and other relatives.
Joe Zimmerman, who is in military
training at Fort Smelling, was home
on a 3-day furlOugh, returning Mon
day. He was one of the company who
was sent to Little Rock, Ark, to help
The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1937-08-23
A LOGICAL PLAN

What appears to be one of the most logical plans
thus far offered in connection with a swimming pool
for Juneau was presented before the City Council
last Friday night when Councilman Krause reported
that consideration being given to using the
Southeast Alaska Fair building for such a purpose
Under the tentative plan, which was reported to nave
the approval of President J. F. Mullen of the Fair
Association and Secretary w. S. Pulen not only
would Juneau be given swimming pool but a gen.
eral recreation center would be established in the
structure to include rifle range bowling alley and
skating rink.
1t was estimated that about S25 900 would be re-
CURED to equip the building with the various facil-
ties suggested Earlier estimates the construction
of just swimming pool in the city ran around $4,000
thus it would appear that if the Fair building deal
is carried through it would mean considerable saw
ing at the outset.
In addition to what would be actual saving
in construction costs according to the suggested plan
the Fair building would be turned to the City
for management with the provision that the Fair
Association could continue to it for the FAN
four days of each year
Under such an arrangement one of the most diff
fcult problems in connection with the entire SWIM
ming pool proposal would be eliminated. Manage
ment would be centered in a responsible
City officials That is exactly where management OF
a successful undertaking of this kind should rest
with public officials either the city council or the
school board Private management would face the
impossible task of keeping swimming pool going
in this community of limited size and in face of COM
plants which to arise Under management
By the City the pool recreation center, could be
kept operating just any other function of the city
activities despite the "squawks" which we all know
are inevitable. No one can please everybody
1t would appear that at last very definite and
intelligent step has been taken toward getting
ming pool for Juneau and the back of it are to
be congratulated for fine display of public spirit
The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1937-08-23
LOOK and LEARN
BY A. c. Gordon

/. In what professions is geom-
etry used?
2. Who is canon de Valera?
8. What is the meaning of the
word Turk?
a. How many eggs day does the
white ant lay?
5. What two European countries
form the Iberian peninsula?
ANSWERS
l. All branches of engineering
astronomy, architecture. mechanical
drawing, carpentry, building.
q President of the Irish Free
State.
8. In the Turkish language it
means rustic, or clown.
a. 10000.
5. Spain and Portugal.
The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1937-08-23
AIR MAIL PROGRESS

Alaska becomes step nearer to regular air mail
the result of the President signing Saturday the
bill authorizing the Postoffce Department to spend
up 5000 year for air mail service in from and
within the Territory. Air mail service, due to our
long distances and lack of transportation has long
been badly needed to carry Alaska business with
greater dispatch and it is to be inaugurated in
a small way.
OF course $4,000 is not going to result in estab-
fishing regular air mail lines between the Territory
and the States Immediately but it is going to create
additional service and it is going to mean con-
nectons many of the outposts and feeders to the
already established scheduled routes Coming in con-
The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1937-08-23
Fugitives from
Alaska Arrested,
Arrival, Seattle
Two Filipino Witnesses to
Stabbing ARRAY Jump
ed Their Bonds

SEATTLE, Aug 23.-Julian Aqui-
mo, q and Rufino Corpuz, 25, Fill
pinos, have been arrested here by
Deputy United States Marshal An
thony Mandery, who said they are
fugitive witnesses to the Staying of
E. R. Meniano Mendoza at Sand
Point Alaska, last June.
Mendoza was fatally stabbed in a
brawl and Mandery said Aquino and
Corpuz admitted being present. He
said they had been freed on bonds
but were told not to leave the Ter
ritory of Alaska until quizzed by
IA grand jury called at Valdez for
October.
The two Filipinos were arrested
when they walked down the gang
plank of the North Haven from AL
aska. They were taken to the county
jail
The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1937-08-23
DAILY LESSONS
IN ENGLISH,
By w. L. Gordon

Words Often Misused: Do not
say, Il emptied out the contents
of the basket" Omit out.
Often Mispronounced: Catholic
Pronounce kath-o-lik, 0 as in obey
and three syllables, not kath-lik.
often Misspelled: Toe part OF
the foot. Tow (hemp). Tow tic
pull along)
synonyms Kernel, seed, grain
nucleus.
Word Study: use word three
times and it is yours" Let us in
crease our vocabulary by mastering
one word each day. Today's word
Abhor; to detest to extremity. In
gratitude is abhored by God and
man. Il Estrange.
The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1937-08-23
Muir Estimates
Normal Season,
Interior Mining

! Heading southwark aboard the
steamer Alaska, following his an
nual inspection trip to U. S. Smelt-
ing, Refining and Mining Company
properties in Alaska, the Fairbanks
Exploration Company and Ham
mon Consolidated operations at
Fairbanks and Nome, d. D. Muir, Jr.
Vice-President in Charge of Oper-
atoms for the widespread company
reported normal season for most
of the big placer outfits in the In
terror, including his companys.
The outlook appears to be COM
pletely satisfactory for most of the
established operations. he declared;
and, while it is had to tell with
any great exactitude this soon, the
season should last till about the
middle of october around Nome and
till late in November, or early De-
cember, at Fairbanks. After a brief
snap of brisk weather, water is again
running all through the Interior
section.
Considerable attention" is being
directed to the Kougarok section of
the Seward Peninsula" Mr.. Muir
stated. At least five new airplane
outfits have been established at
Nome to freight supplies into that
very active section, and all are be-
ing kept going at top speed, flying
in all kinds of weather.
While inspecting a shaft in froz-
EN- ground at one of his company's
properties, Mr.. Muir contracted a
fairly severe case of laryngitis, but
has hopes that he will get back to
the States in time to run up against
a little sunshine to clear his afflic-
ton away. He is being accompan-
led on the trip by his son, D. D..
Muir, III. While the Alaska was in
port he contacted H. L. Faulkner
The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1937-08-23
20 Years Ago
From The Empire
AUGUST %. 1917.

AUGUST %, 1917.
Cedric Davis was to leave on one
of the first steamers for the south
to enlist in the Naval Reserve
Corps at Bremerton.
Albin Baritello and Charles john
son left Douglas on ten day deer
hunting trip
Travelling Guard Harvey Horton,
of the state prison at Walla Walla
Washington, passed through Jul
neau to get Vernon Bawlf,. strong
arm artist who had escaped sew
eral months previously but had
been spotted by Mounties in Atlin
and arrested.
Work of raising the Lawson Creek
bridge, Douglas Island, had been
started by the Alaska Road Com
mission.
The Alaska Gastineau Company
of Thane announced increased pro-
duction and need of more men.
Weather-High 50, low so, cloudy.
The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1937-08-23
Horoscope
'FThe stars incline
but do not compel"

Adverse planetary aspects rule
strongly today, according to astrol-
ogy. There is a sign under which
news of great future Importance
may be expected.
Financial matters are not well
directed under this planetary gov
eminent which seems to presage
anxiety over money values and SER
ious straits for European nation
Labor continues under the sin
lister sway of Saturn and may con-
tribute to a crisis in a leading in
dustry. Cooperation, so long preach
ed by the seers, is urged in rela-
tons of employers and employees.
Tendencies to conceal facts of SUI
preme significance may be apparent
in organizations. This influence may
extend to government affairs
Half truths in place of whole
truths, intrigue and camouflage may
be widespread as the autumn pro-
crosses The wise will adhere to
strict honesty of purpose:
Late today the stars encou. age
constructive ideas and their appli-
cation. Success will attend men
and women who are slow to accept
any form of fear or discourage
ment.
Warning is given that relief must
be continued under stricter plans
since the seers foretell increase of
crime where need is great.
Graft and greed will be uncov-
cred in many places, if the stars are
rightly read, but reforms will be slow
in assuring punishment or in chang
ing evil-doers.
Persons whose b1rthdate it is have
the augury of year of unexpected
experiences. speech should be
guarded and friends tested.
Children born on this day may be
interested in science as well as lit
erature. Subjects of this sign usu-
ally have imagination and wit.
Robert Herrick, English poet was
born on this day 1891. Others who
have celebrated it as a birthday in
clude Theodore Parker, scholar and
reformer, 1910; Pliny Earle God
dard, anthropoligist. 1869.
Copyright, 1880
The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1937-08-23
TWO FIRE ALARMS

A pair of overheated chimneys,
one at the Rosenberg house occu-
pied by Roy Caruthers at 3l9 Sew
ard Street and the other at the
Sommers Construction Company's
new office building at Marine Way
and Willoughby, called out Juneau's
Volunteer Firemen twice over the
week end
The cail came to the Rosenberg
house Saturday evening. while that
TO the office building was turned in
this forenoon, about II O'Clock. No
damage occurred from either blaze.
The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1937-08-23
MODERN
ETIQUETTE
BY Roberta Lee

@. Should a person use the ex-
preston, We'll, we'll" My, N.Y.
What do you think of that" etc..
when another person is relating
something?
A. No; these monotonous repe-
titions are rude as well as annoys
ing. Il
@. When in doubt as to whether
an invitation requires a reply, what
should one do?
A. When in doubt, it would be
better to reply.
@. Is blue plate" luncheon one
that Is served for fixed price?
A Yes.
The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1937-08-23
PULLENs GO OUT

Mr.. and Mrs. w. S. Pullen sailed
from Juneau for Seattle Saturday
evening ABOARD the steamer Bar
anof. Mr.. Pullen. who is head OF
the Alaska Electric Power and Light
Company here will be out about
three weeks, most of which will be
spent in San Francisco on business;
while Mrs. Pullen will visit rela-
tives and will return to her home
here later.
The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1937-08-23
INTERCOASTAL PLANE
TAKES ONE OUT FROM
HERE THIS AFTERNOON

On the Intercoastal Always
Monday flight to Juneau, Pilot Ray
Renshaw landed the company's red
Stinson seaplane here at 2 O'Clock
this afternoon, and took off for the
return flight at $3.50 o'clck.
No passengers came to Juneau
from Ketchikan, while one left here
for the southwark flight. Pilot
Renshaw reported that flying wea-
ther was not bad. except right at
Juneau
The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1937-08-23
GERALD HILL ON
KETCHIKAN VISIT

Gerald Hill, little son of Mrs.
Mildred Hill of the office of the
Bureau of Fisheries, left on the Ed
er for Ketchikan to visit with his
aunt, also his grandfather, Arthur
Miller, for the next six weeks.
The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1937-08-23
MORE JOBS
IN SWEDEN

STOCKHOLM, Aug. 23-Cnem-
ployment in SweGcn is lever than
in seven years. In May there were
approximately $4,000 persons out OF
work, as compared to $4,000 for the
corresponding month of 1886. At
the beginning of June the number
of youths IS to 81 years old regis
tered as unemployed was not more
than 600
The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1937-08-23
Eva Morrison 10
Try Channel Swim

DOVER, Aug. 23 - Miss Eva B.
Morrison, Boston champion SWIM
mer, is training at Dover, England,
and will attempt to swim the Eng
lish Channel, Two years ago Miss
Morrison, swimming from England
to France, bucked cross currents for
IS hours and so minutes, covering
fifty-two miles before she was fore
ed out OF the water when within two
miles of the French coast.
The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1937-08-23

junction with the airport and radio communications
development program it that Alaska is
ing rapidly toward much better service of COM
muncation and transportation. AS aerial develop
ment continues expect to further deve-
opment of air mail service in the north until ult-
mately send mail about and from the Territory
with the same speed as they do in the States.
The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1937-08-23
CLUB WOMEN WILL
MEET MRS. DUNBAR

The arrival of Mrs. Sadie Orr
Dunbar, president-elect of the Gen
eral Federation of Womens Clubs,
marks an important event on the
Gastineau Channel club calendars
and one of the first dates to be set
aside for club women to confer with
Mrs. Dunbar is Wednesday evening
when meeting has been called at
g o'clock.
The gathering is to be held at the
home of Mrs. Ray G. Day, president
of the Juneau Woman's Club, and
will assemble members of the Jul
neau Women's Club and the Doug
las Island Womens Club.
Mrs Dunbar will discuss club work
in general and also tell briefly of
her visit to other clubs in Alaska
this year
The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1937-08-23
wICKERsHAM TO SEWARD

Judge James Wickersham sailed
from his home here this afternoon
aboard the steamer Mount NC
Kinley, bound for Seward, Gu trip
into the Interior.
The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1937-08-23

The country has known disturbed timee @efore,
but until now it always where the govern
ment stood-Detroit Free Press.
The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1937-08-23

Thought after travelling in trailer BE it ever
SO stationary, there's place like home. "-Buffalo
Courier Express
The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1937-08-23

REPRESENTATIVES, in Congress
have increased their telephone tolls
&c 2-3 percent in two years.
The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1937-08-23

Pennsylvania will build "escape-proof prison
at Mount Gretna What most States need is an
escape proof parole board-Cleveland Plain Dealer.
The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1937-08-23

The skull of the Picking man
dates from the Pleistocene age, 500
900 years ago.
The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1937-08-23

OF course, the Soviet plane search won't be COM
pete until the have to go out and look for
rescuers rescuers stream up from the south.
The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1937-08-23

There is faint suspicion the Chinese go into
action that previously they have been fighting under
wraps.
The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1937-08-23
MRS. GRAY LEAVES ON
Elder TO VISIT STATES

Mrs. Roy Gray, whose husband is
connected with the Bureau of Fish
cries, left Sunday aboard the Elder
for the south, where she will visit.
Lode and placer UcatiOn notices
for sale at The Empire Office.
The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1937-08-23

Nudsts have held a convention back in New
Jersey. Viewing nature in the raw as it were.
The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1937-08-23

Exports of chemicals from the
United States this spring are the
highest recorded in the last six
years, the Department of Commerce