As Powell celebrates its centennial year, interesting stories of the past century have come out of the woodwork. Certain stories, such as that of Charles E. Lewis, deserve to be remembered for decades to come.Until recently, few residents knew who Lewis was, or why he should be remembered as a community hero. However, his killer, the fugitive Earl Durand, is commonly known as a local legend.Earlier this week, the Powell Police Department paid tribute to Lewis, a man who gave his life in the line of duty for this community 70 years ago. By hosting a memorial and renaming the police station in Lewis' honor, local leaders ensured he will not be forgotten.Lewis contributed to the life of Powell, helping make the community what it is today. Upon returning to Wyoming from World War I battlefronts, Lewis went on to serve as Powell's town marshal, water and street commissioner and was a founding member of the American Legion. He helped form the community in its emerging years and led it with integrity until his death in 1939.In many cases, history has a way of recognizing rogue figures rather than noble ones. Powell is attempting to reverse that, making Lewis one of its remembered historic heroes.Though certain ceremonies in this centennial year will one day fade from memory, the level of commitment and reverence shown by the police department and community assure that the name and deeds of Charles E. Lewis will be preserved.

As Powell celebrates its centennial year, interesting stories of the past century have come out of the woodwork.

Certain stories, such as that of Charles E. Lewis, deserve to be remembered for decades to come.

Until recently, few residents knew who Lewis was, or why he should be remembered as a community hero.

However, his killer, the fugitive Earl Durand, is commonly known as a local legend.

Earlier this week, the Powell Police Department paid tribute to Lewis, a man who gave his life in the line of duty for this community 70 years ago. By hosting a memorial and renaming the police station in Lewis' honor, local leaders ensured he will not be forgotten.

Lewis contributed to the life of Powell, helping make the community what it is today. Upon returning to Wyoming from World War I battlefronts, Lewis went on to serve as Powell's town marshal, water and street commissioner and was a founding member of the American Legion. He helped form the community in its emerging years and led it with integrity until his death in 1939.

In many cases, history has a way of recognizing rogue figures rather than noble ones. Powell is attempting to reverse that, making Lewis one of its remembered historic heroes.

Though certain ceremonies in this centennial year will one day fade from memory, the level of commitment and reverence shown by the police department and community assure that the name and deeds of Charles E. Lewis will be preserved.