Dusting off the Archives
News from Verndale's Past 75 Years Ago, August 7, 1947
•Lou Ella Robb of Leaf River Busy Bees and Roger Reichel of Thomastown Peppy Peppers were judged Wadena County Health Queen and King last week according to an announcement from the County Agent’s office today. They will represent Wadena County at the State Fair, August 23-31.
•At the regular monthly meeting of the Wadena County Commissioners on Tuesday, Carl Petterson of the fourth district which is comprised of Leaf River, Wing River, North Germany and Rockwood townships, handed in his resignation. Mr. Petterson’s successor will be selected by the four township boards.
•Following are the four pictures of children who won the prizes in the Woltz Studio of Des Moines, Iowa a few weeks ago. First prize, Billy Beven, one and a half year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Beven of Verndale. Second prize, Frances Ernster, eight month old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Ernster of Verndale. Third prize, Richard White, two and a half year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Lee White of Verndale. Fourth prize is Laverne Dahlvang, 10 month old son of Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Dahlvang of Staples, pictured with his brother Leroy, three years old.
40 Years Ago, August 12, 1982
•Sue Blaha, a senior at Concordia College, Moorhead, became a charter member of the Beta Omega chapter of Phi Upsilon Omicron, a National Home Economics Honor Society. She is the daughter of Barry and Liz Blaha of Rt. 3, Verndale.
•First prize in commercial for parade floats was awarded to the First National Bank depicting an early banking office. First National (The oldest existing bank in Wadena County) is celebrating its 100th birthday this year. In honor of the occasion they donated two $50 savings bonds to be given away. After winning the float prize, another bond was added to the drawing. Lucky winners were Renee Adams, Paul Denny and Luella Wambolt, all of Verndale.
•Coach Mike Mahlen congratulated Todd Pilgrim on his achievement of being named to the All-State Football team. Todd received a trophy with his team and individual picture at the Friday night banquet which preceded the All-Star game. Todd played on the Out-State All-Star team which was beaten soundly 24-12 as they played the Metro All-Stars on Saturday night, July 31.
15 Years Ago, August 8, 2007
•The Soo Pass Ranch, located in Detroit Lakes, was overflowing with country music fans this past weekend as they celebrated WeFest’s 25th anniversary. Fans had the treat of listening to some of country’s most popular artists. Some of them included: Carrie Underwood, Alan Jackson, Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban, Trace Adkins, Gary Allan, Toby Keith, Josh Turner and The Wreckers.
•The Dreams For Kids second annual bike run at PlayTime Saturday, July 21 was a huge success with more than $25,000 raised to make local wishes come true through Minnesota Make-A-Wish foundation. Over 140 bikes toured about 130 miles across the countryside starting at PlayTime, located on Highwy 78 between Perham and Ottertail. The fundraiser will provide five wishes for local children facing tough medical battles.
•Wadena County Emergency Management Services Director Scott McKellop paid close attention to the response of Metro area agencies to the collapse of I35-W bridge last week in Minneapolis. The disaster gave him the opportunity to observe-from a distance-the coordination that took place among multiple departments and jurisdictions as they responded to the situation.