~~~2007 in Review~~~
by Kathy Marquardt
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| Best Editorial Photo of 2007 by Marlo Benning |
January
Newly elected officials, Sheriff Peter Mikkelson and Commissioners David Kircher and Gary Kneisl, took their oaths of office and began their duties on January 2.
As the new year begins, the Independent News Herald is introducing a new column called "You Asked". We will find answers to the questions you ask.
The Todd County Board of Commissioners will receive a 2% ($400) salary increase. The present salary is $18,697.
The County Road 55 lawsuit, filed by Ellsworth Johnson, has been dismissed and no damages were awarded at this time.
Have your home tested for radon, the silent killer.
The four newest members inducted into the Eagle Valley Athletic Hall of Fame were the late Clem Lunemann, Lori Hansen, Jay Roste and Jill Pontius.
A wind energy project called the Bear Creek Wind Partners, LLC will bring a wind farm to Hewitt that will produce renewable energy from approximately 15 large turbines.
A welcome sight has been the price of gas at the pump, which recently dipped below the $2 mark.
Jacob Fenstermaker, son of Daniel and Nancy Fenstermaker of Pine River, was the first baby born in the new year at the Lakewood Health System.
Ryan Hoelscher and Travis Burns, Tigers basketball players, reached 1000 points each.
Lori Ostrowski-Young of Bertha has recently had a children's book, Aboo and Sidekick, published.
Michelle Arendt of Long Prairie was found guilty of felony theft in a case versus the First State Bank of Clarissa. The bank reported a $27,000 shortage.
Sam Moenkedick, a Bertha-Hewitt/Verndale Raiders wrestler, earned his 100th win.
Julius Stone of Clarissa and his brother John were fishing on a lake north of Willmar when both of their trucks plunged through thin ice. Luckily, they both made it out safely.
Cody Lisson of Browerville was not injured when he fell through a spearing hole that had been left open and unmarked on Lake Osakis.
Lisa Host of rural Clarissa is forging ahead with a new business venture. She's opening a new shop called Special Again.
The Eagle Valley Sno Daze king and queen are Mitchell Hess and Rachel Allen.
February
Bertha-Hewitt's Sno Daze king and queen are Tim Denny and Christine Almquist.
An electrical fire caused significant smoke and fire damage to the Todd and Jean Pollema home in rural Clarissa on February 8.
Adam Zeidler of rural Eagle Bend was injured in a three-vehicle accident near Alexandria on February 9.
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| In February survivors
of Carl Moyle filed a $30 million federal lawsuit for wrongful
death. Moyle was beaten to death while sleeping in a Sherburne
County Jail cell for a traffic violation. He is pictured with his son Gavin. |
As soon as spring arrives, digging is set to begin for the new Bertha Medical Clinic. A completion date is set for this fall.
The Glen Friis barn in rural Browerville was lost to a fire.
Bob Madsen of rural Eagle Bend won a new boat, motor and trailer in the Long Lake Ice Fishing Tourney raffle.
Wrestlers advancing to the state tournament are Julius Stone, Tyler Spychalla, Ethan Kern, Zak Lambert, Jake Braaten, Sam Moenkedick and Matt Moenkedick.
The newly formed Clarissa Community Club is hopeful that they will generate interest from people around the area to help promote our community.
Jon Alexander and wife Karie of rural Bertha are the new owners of the Browerville Truck Wash & Service Center.
March
State Senator Dallas Sams passed away on March 5 after a courageous struggle with brain cancer.
Lelin and Sandy Goodgine of rural Hewitt reported that five horses and miscellaneous tack had been stolen from a barn on their ranch.
Charges are pending against a juvenile as a result of an investigation into a terrorist threat situation at the Bertha-Hewitt School.
The 2007 Todd County dairy princesses and ambassadors are Ann Motl, Megan Berry, Lindsay Paskewitz, Katie Becker, Tiffany Hulinsky, Melissa Arnold, Emma Motl and Mariah Berry.
Nathan McLaughlin of Clarissa recently traveled to Moldova doing missionary work with a Christian organization.
Ethan Kern finished third in the state wrestling tourney.
Jim and Joan Johnson of rural Clarissa had a shed collapse under the weight of the recent snowfall.
A Bertha-Hewitt high school student was solicited by a stranger on the way home from school. The incident is under investigation.
Kayla Finck reached the 1000 point milestone in their basketball game against Ashby on March 5.
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| Ethan Kern finished third in the state wrestling tourney in March of 2007. |
Danielle (Notch) Hanson of Eagle Bend joined the Independent News Herald staff as our customer service representative.
A rash of local burglaries have taken place. At least 26 business and residential burglaries have been investigated.
The Bertha-Hewitt boys basketball team is heading to the state tournament.
Tisha Keller, Bertha-Hewitt FFA, took first place in the Region II Farm Management Career Development event.
It took months to recover after Joyce Ehnes of rural Clarissa was kicked by a cow and lacerated her liver. She has vowed to donate blood as someone did to save her life.
Eagle Bend Oil, owned by Ron Motl, has been in business for 25 years.
Neil and Tammy Schlichting, owners of Neil's Service Center in Eagle Bend, have been partners in life and in business for 25 years.
Madison Aeling was the inspiration behind the Relay for Life event held at the Bertha-Hewitt School that raised $3371.37.
Cindy's Kitchen in Eagle Bend will be closing on March 31.
April
The body of Timothy Jay, 46, of Staples was found in the backyard of an apartment/business in Staples. The reason for his death is unknown at this time.
James Payne of rural Verndale pleaded guilty to the second degree murder of his older brother, Wilbur Payne.
Sarah Basweti of rural Browerville received a top ten finish in the Appaloosa World Tournament which took place in Fort Worth, Texas.
The Harley Paladin Light Construction plant (Harley Rock Picker Plant) in Clarissa will close its doors on June 28.
David Trosen of rural Verndale was charged with third degree possession of a controlled substance.
Barbara Hayes of Clarissa was involved in a one-vehicle rollover and suffered a broken neck.
Paul Wicht of rural Verndale was charged with two counts of terroristic threats after an incident at Mid-Minnesota Federal Credit Union in Staples when he allegedly made threatening remarks.
The Virginia Tech massacre tragedy touches close to home as the Captain families, of Bertha, mourn the loss of a relative, Brian Bluhm, who was a student at Virginia Tech.
Dort Gere Bertha was an original founder of the Senior Echoes newsletter 30 years ago and it is still going strong today.
May
Lacey and Kyle Grinager Eagle Bend lost their home and possessions to a fire on May 1.
The Hewitt School, which now houses the museum, was accepted on the National Register of Historic Places.
Dave Kanis and his wife Diane have hatched a new business in Eagle Bend-the Mother Hen Hatchery.
A new team, the Bertha-Hewitt Blazers, have brought action back to the baseball town.
A benefit will be held on May 19 for Kim Moller Eagle Bend who is battling lung cancer.
Rod Hendrickson and Russ Sampson are co-owners of Rusty Nails Pallet Co. in Hewitt.
An accessibility expert said it would not be feasible to put a lot of money into the Eagle Valley High School building to bring it into compliance with handicap accessible requirements.
Members of the Bertha-Hewitt Junior Girl Scout Troop planted a tree in the Hewitt Park in memory of Jessica Kreidler who died in a house fire in October of 2006.
Working together for a better school is the idea behind the newly formed Eagle Valley Parent Teacher Organization.
Dick Finck is retiring after 33 years and David Zirbes is retiring after 34 years of teaching at Bertha-Hewitt School.
June
Dave Cuppy of Bertha won $5000 after shedding 95 lbs. in just three months in "The Biggest Loser" contest.
Carol Wendorf has enjoyed her job as a paraprofessional for 24 years and is retiring from Bertha-Hewitt.
A dedication of the wind tower just outside of Hewitt was held on June 8.
A fire destroyed the home and belongings of Gary and Jo Borst and family of Eagle Bend on June 16.
Ann Dobs is doing well after receiving a kidney from her granddaughter, Missy Titera; both are from Bertha.
Barb Pieper was selected as the 2007 Outstanding Layperson in Education of the Year for the Eagle Valley School.
Dianne LaVoie, kindergarten teacher, was selected as Eagle Valley's Teacher of the Year for 2007.
Steve Tritsch received a plaque and check for his 32 years of service on the Hewitt Fire Department.
Dairyridge, Inc. of Long Prairie has paid $15,000 for alleged feedlot violations.
Charles W. Lindberg, the last remaining survivor of the U.S. Marines who raised the first flag over Iwo Jima in 1945, passed away on June 24.
July
Dan's Prize will be expanding its Browerville plant and upon completion will employ an additional 30-40 employees.
Three local men, Scott Moench, Christopher Hendrickson and Jared Leehy, were sentenced for burglaries that took place in 2006.
Many have enjoyed the sweltering summer celebrations in spite of the temperature being hot and sultry.
Tony and Marion Massmann have opened Granny's Y'll Come Back Cafe at the former Cindy's Kitchen in Eagle Bend.
A rash of burglaries have occurred at rural residences in Germania, Bertha and Eagle Valley townships and in the Eagle Bend area.
The Clarissa Ballroom received an "extreme" makeover both inside and outside.
Bits N' Pieces in Hewitt, owned by Ardy McAllister, recently closed its doors.
Clarissa Drug Store celebrated 20 years in business with an open house celebration on July 27.
The big top circus is coming to Clarissa on July 28.
Stephanie's Thrift and Consignment, owned by Stephanie Pischke, is now open on Main Street in Clarissa.
August
Jeremiah Miller, PFC, of Bertha; Marcus Meiners, SSG, of Clarissa; and Daniel Jonckowski, SSG, of Browerville; all assigned to the 851st Vertical Engineer Company stationed at Camp Ripley, are preparing to deploy to Iraq.
Margi Taggart is retiring from the Central Todd County Care Center in Clarissa where she served as administrator for nearly 30 years.
Pam Stueve and Dennis Berg are working together to build an adult foster care home in Eagle Bend.
Joseph Peterschiem, 24 of Clarissa died from injuries he sustained in a farm accident.
Rose City held its 21st annual Threshing and Heritage Festival August 10-12.
Bert Poppen, 66, of Long Prairie died from injuries resulting from an accident that occurred when a van struck the tractor Poppen was driving.
Mike Peterson is the new county administrator.
Elizabeth Kern, 10, of Clarissa passed away unexpectedly due to a food allergy that triggered her asthma on August 14.
The Minnesota High School Rodeo held August 24-26 in Clarissa was a huge success.
Russ Martinson retired from his position as executive director at the Freshwater Education District.
David Armstrong is the new administrator at the Central Todd County Care Center in Clarissa.
Steve Greenwaldt has purchased the former Main Street Express in Bertha and has changed the name to Seven Oaks Express.
September
The Lake Country Rollers-Danny, Mike and Butch Booker, Brent Line and Dave Lisson-placed ninth out of 3800 teams at the national bowling tournament held in Reno, Nevada.
Bob Blessing was hired as the county's first full-time emergency management director.
Verneil Thompson was seriously injured in a head-on crash near Osakis.
A fundraiser will be held for the Gary and Jo Borst family on September 16 to help cover expenses after they lost their home and belongings in a house fire.
You will be seeing photos in the paper by Matt Ganz. He is covering events at the Bertha-Hewitt School.
Eagle Valley School has their first ever mascot, Ranger Rebel, created by Joe Villareal of Clarissa.
Steve Greenwaldt has purchased the gas station in Bertha and will call it Seven Oaks Express.
October
The Minnesota Freedom to Breathe Act of 2007, which prohibits smoking in bars, restaurants, private clubs and other workplaces, will go into effect on October 1.
Kapp's Kafe in Bertha closes its doors after 28 years of service to the community.
Henry and Ardith Ahrens and Pastor Chad Czischke and his wife Jennifer, all of Eagle Bend; and Tom Henrich of Browerville traveled with a group to New Orleans on a volunteer mission to help restore homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held on October 4 for the new clinic in Bertha.
SunOpta Ingredients in Bertha is closing down its operations.
Bertha-Hewitt's homecoming king and queen are John Hartung and Chelsey Farber.
Homecrest in Wadena closes its doors after more than 50 years of service.
Jeremy Schaefer is starting a new business in Bertha called Jeremungo Computers.
Melissa Ehrhardt is the new pastor at Shepherd of the Valley.
Tyler Notch and Sammi Glines were crowned Eagle Valley's Homecoming king and queen.
Browerville's Homecoming king and queen are Jordan Hoelscher and Alecia Leprince.
Cherrington Enterprises is operating in the former Harley building in Clarissa.
Coach Janelle Bright earned her 500th win in a volleyball game on October 15 against Battle Lake.
Father David Maciej is the new priest at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Clarissa and Christ the King Catholic Church in Browerville.
Two bodies were recovered at the scene of a crash of an airplane that was found mostly submerged in a swampy area in Turtle Creek Township.
Todd County Commissioners terminated the employment of Administrator Mike Petersen.
The Great River Regional Library Eagle Bend Branch celebrates 25 years of service to the community.
Homelessness does affect us-Kristina Reynolds was homeless for about a month before finding temporary housing in Clarissa.
Winners of the Halloween coloring contest, sponsored by area businesses and the Independent News Herald, were Kaija Weishalla, Rose Patnode and Marvin Coblentz.
November
A monument will be constructed in the Bertha City Park to honor our country's veterans.
Spencer Truax shot a rare white tail doe in Eastern Township on November 3.
Tim Fulford shot a mule deer buck in Turtle Creek Township on opening weekend.
Jeannette Pesta of Clarissa sustained a severe back injury after she was involved in a one-vehicle accident on November 9.
Long Prairie Hospital has been designated as the first ever "CALS" organization for their excellence in rural emergency medical care.
J-R Mattress of Bertha has shut down operations after 30 years in business.
Caleb McLaughlin of Clarissa had the opportunity to take a trip of a lifetime this past summer when he accompanied his dad Nathan on an overseas adventure to Africa.
The annual Parade of Lights was held in Bertha last Saturday evening which gave a preview of the holiday season.
December
Dale and Judy Denny opened their new business, D & J Tack and Treasure, in Hewitt on December 1 in the former Hewitt Co-op Grocery store building.
On December 6, the Todd County Board of Commissioners voted to rescind the original resolution passed in November of 2005 to vacate County Road 55 (the Lake Road).
A benefit for Cora Johnson of Eagle Bend will be held on Sunday, December 9 at the elementary school in Clarissa.
The Legislative Commission to End Poverty in Minnesota by 2020 has been traveling throughout the state and made a stop at the Browerville Community Center to hear from those affected by poverty.
Miriam Collom and son Jesse of Hewitt are home and doing well. Jesse was born eight weeks early and weighed only a little over a pound.
Santa has been making his usual stops around the community to visit and leave treats with the kiddies.
Jason Thompson of Motley received multiple stab wounds after being assaulted in the city of Hewitt.
A local card club of Eagle Bend has been meeting for nearly 24 years. Members include: the late Elvin Seward, Corliss Seward, Dave and Marilyn Kramer, Wesley and Myrtle Holt, Harold and Carol Kramer, Denny and Karen Beach and Kenny and June Holt.
A memorial service is held on New Year's Day each year at the Care Center in Clarissa to remember the residents that have passed away during the year.
The staff at the Independent News Herald wishes you a Happy New Year!