Dusting off the Archives
News from Verndale's Past
75 Years Ago, September 30, 1948
• “Bud” Beaver, while plowing on his farm recently, plowed up a watch that had been lost by his father, Lou Beaver, 25 years ago. The watch, apparently not much worse for wear after its long disappearance, would still run—the only damage being the minute hand had rusted off.
• The last of the major part of the Verndale water system was finished last week with the installation of the pumping equipment. The water was released Saturday morning from the tank into the water mains. Before turning the water on, 20 pounds of chlorine had been poured into the tank to be flushed through the mains to purify the water from any dirt or contamination in the tank or mains.
• Three local 4-H boys are planning to enter their club animals in the Junior Livestock Show this year, county agent Miles G. Rowe said today. Dates for the 1948 show have been set for October 11-14. Classes of livestock to be exhibited include baby beef, pigs and lambs. Judging this year will be by the group system with blue, red and white ribbons going to the different classes.
40 Years Ago, September 28, 1983
• This is a first for Verndale...having a representative in the Miss Heartland Pageant, which will be held in Crosby this year. Representative of this city will be Miss Verndale, Cathy Colby, who will be giving her version of a musical selection in the talent portion of the program. Maurie Finck, Verndale representative on the Heartland Board said he hopes a large number of residents will show their support for Cathy by attending the pageant which will be held at 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 8.
• Paul Day, Minnesota State Vocational Agriculture Supervisor, has been invited by the Verndale FFA Alumni to speak in this area. The public is invited to hear him speak on how to improve interest in school Vo-Ag programs, increase the enrollment and keep parents informed. The program will begin at 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 6 and will be held in the REA meeting room in Wadena. Wadena and New York Mills chapters and parents are invited to attend.
• A fantasy for Shelly Anderson was fulfilled Monday evening when she was crowned 1983 homecoming queen of Verndale High School. She was chosen by a vote of the student body from three candidates in the running. Jim Sommars and Kathy Ackerman were master and mistress of ceremonies. Mr. Edward Masog provided music for the processional and grand march, and accompanied a former grad, Donna Notch, as she sang “For Your Eyes Only” and “Flashdance-Oh What A Feeling.”
15 Years Ago, October 2, 2008
• Local student Lauren Turner won the Drag Racing Event at the Brainerd International Raceway. Turner wheeled her Lucas Oil/Coast True Value Jr. Dragster to the winner’s circle after defeating her opponent by .112 seconds in the final round of the O’Reilley Auto Parts Jr. Dragster Challenge on September 20. The sport of Jr. Drag Racing has given the Verndale seventh grader the unique opportunity to legally drive a car at speeds reaching 80 mph when other kids her age aren’t even dreaming of getting their driver’s license yet.
• I knew I needed to have my ducts cleaned before I turned on my furnace this year. It hadn’t been done since we bought the house. I am glad I did it. Bob Swenson found some things from the past—a yellow board and some pictures. It feels cleaner. This is one way to prepare for winter but given the prediction of home heating you can bet I will be doing it more.
• Current student enrollment at ISD No. 818 is about 462 students, which is 31 students, or seven percent, more than this past spring. According to the school administration, some of the increase in students can be attributed to an increase in students from other districts open enrolling in the Verndale School District.