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Public safety and local government entities will soon receive over $2.2 million to improve their public service through Sourcewell’s Impact Funding. The recipients include 31 counties, cities, and townships, and 20 fire departments, police departments, and sheriff’s offices throughout Sourcewell’s central Minnesota service region. “These projects represent an incredible impact on our region’s communities,” said Paul Drange, director of regional services at Sourcewell. “Give

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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 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 Coach Sam Schmitz In their first Park Region Conference game of the season on December 2, Verndale fell on the road to the New York Mills Eagles 23-73. The Eagles’ size and strength outmatched the Pirates. The Pirates were able to get shot attempts but were cold from both the field and the free-throw line as they made just 25% of their free-throw attempts and shot 21% from the field. Although the Pirates were outsized, they rebounded better in the second half and lost the

by Coach Greg Johnson Verndale 62 Ashby 60 On Tuesday, December 2, the Boys Basketball team opened its season by hosting the Ashby Arrows. The Pirates got the season started with a win by a score of 62-60. The Pirates had three players collect double-doubles on the night. Bryce Pickar had 21 points and 11 rebounds. Chase Jensen had 15 points and 10 rebounds. Braylin Deleon scored 11 points and dished out 10 assists. Stats Zain Waldah 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 6 points

News from Verndale's Past 40 Years Ago, December 11, 1985 • Almost the entire center section of the roof on a turkey barn at the Dave Bessler farm gave way under the weight of heavy snow last Sunday morning, shortly after Dave had completed his regular morning rounds. A short time later, one of his sons asked about the pieces of steel sticking up in the air above the roof, so Dave went to investigate to find utter chaos. There was a minimum of $60,000 of building damages and

by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com Julie Mulek has transformed her hobby into a thriving business with the launch of Old Soul Sourdough in Wadena in May. Her bakery offers top-notch sourdough and a variety of other delicious baked goods. Mulek’s passion for baking began during her time at Hans’ Bakery in Anoka where she started at the counter and eventually moved up to making cookies and baking bread from scratch at Costco, where she honed her bread-rolling skills. I

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by Sam Schmitz The Pirates did not start their season with a win, but the 19–80 loss to Parkers Prairie provided valuable lessons that will shape games ahead. Much of Verndale’s difficulties stemmed from defending in transition, as they gave up 31 transition points. The Pirates’ offense was disrupted when last year’s leading scorer, Aspen Orlando, was in foul trouble and played limited minutes. Despite poor shooting from the field, the Pirates shot 71% from the free-throw li