Benning Printing & Publishing

News from Verndale's Past 40 Years Ago, December 18, 1985 • “It was fantastic,” said Brian and Nancy Roth of Thomastown Township when they heard the news they had been chosen winners of the Farm Bureau State Young Farmer Award. “We were overjoyed. It’s not that we’re the best,” Brian said, “it’s just a good feeling just to be one of the six since Minnesota is one of the larges agricultural states and the Farm Bureau the largest farm organization in the state.” • Pictured ar

by Debra Meyer-Myrum news@inhnews.com At the regular Todd County Commissioners meeting on December 2, Loren Fellbaum, Public Works engineer, and Jim Carstens, Birchdale Township supervisor, requested Todd County serve as the fiscal agent and engineer on behalf of Birchdale Township who is applying for 1.2 million from the State Local Road Improvement Funding (LRIF) to reclaim and repave two miles of Alcott Drive from the Stearns County Line to County State Aid Highway 15.

by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com Jerry’s Auto Body is celebrating its 50th year in business in Eagle Bend. Jerry Lorentz, who established the business and opened the shop in 1975, has kept articles, advertisements, and photos from the shop over the last five decades, recalling memorable moments and significant changes in the industry. “It goes by quickly. In the old days, you think, ‘I’ve been in this for 25 years; that’s forever!’ and then suddenly there’s another

Bishop Patrick Neary, C.S.C., of the Diocese of St. Cloud was notified on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, that Father Joseph Herzing, a priest of the diocese, was charged in Stearns County with one count of stalking, one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and three counts of threats of violence, all involving one adult. Bishop Neary has placed Father Herzing on leave immediately from his ministry at Christ the King in Browerville, St. Joseph in Clarissa, St. Joseph

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by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Verndale School Board held their regular meeting on Monday, December 1. Truth in Taxation The meeting began with the Truth in Taxation hearing. Jordan Anderson, business manager, addressed the levy for payable 2026. He reported a 2.74% increase in the general education formula last year—about $200 per pupil unit—but noted this was still $1,420 (19%) short of what would have matched inflation since 2000. The proposed property

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by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com On the second morning of rifle season for deer hunting, November 9, the day began like any other, filled with excitement and hopes of filling tags. Shirley Anderson, of rural Verndale, was eager to get something, as she hadn’t seen a deer during hunting season in three years. Sitting in her stand, just as daylight peeked over the horizon around 7 a.m., a good-sized doe stepped into view, and Shirley took her shot. After taking the

by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Wadena County Commissioners held their regular meeting on Monday, December 1, followed by the Truth in Taxation meeting. Commissioner Murlyn Kreklau was absent. Comprehensive Plan Dena Malone, planning and zoning, gave an update on the Comprehensive Plan. Two proposals were received in response to the county’s Request for Proposals: one from Hometown Planners for $20,050 and another from Region Five for $16,950. After reviewing