Dusting off the Archives
News from Verndale's Past
75 Years Ago, February 24, 1949
• Ellen Malone of the Wadena Juniors won the Wadena County radio speaking contest which was held over KWAD on the Farm Fact and Fun hour Monday afternoon. Ellen won over three other contestant from the sub-district.
• The Verndale Independent basketball team and their manager, Gordon Peterson, who have just completed a successful season of basketball, wished to express their sincere appreciation to the following businessmen and other of Verndale for their contribution of $145 to buy suits. The contribution enabled them to buy new trunks and sweaters for this season, and next year with what money they have left expect to buy new sweatshirts or jackets.
• When listening to Breakfast in Hollywood at noon on Monday, the Nessets heard the Master of Ceremonies interview Bill Matteson formerly of this community, now of Bell, California. Wonder how many heard out old friend Bill?
40 Years Ago, February 22, 1984
• With the stroke of a pen wielded by Mayor Louise Otremba, last Wednesday afternoon, Verndale became the owner of a bit of history-the Burlington-Northern caboose. Several months ago, the city council responded to an offer from the railroad for same, and last Wednesday, Al Wiegold, BN Representative, presented title papers for the mayor’s signature to make it all official. Cabooses are being phased out of use, and Burlington-Northern has offered them to cities interested in obtaining them. Now it is up to the council to have it moved onto a permanent site in McNair Park.
• Approximately 40 people responded to the invitation to take an active part in Verndale’s Town Meeting, one of over 250 schools throughout Minnesota, called to provide the opportunity for Mr. and Mrs. John Q. Public to state their views of what education for Minnesota children should provide. Clarence Horsager, emcee, welcomed those attending and gave instruction for the agenda, prior and following a video tape presentation by Dr. Ruth Randall, commissioner of the Minnesota State Education Association.
• Verndale upped its record to 11-5 with a thrilling win over Pequot Lakes. These two teams met earlier in the year with the Pirates winning. Pequot played inspired ball the first three quarters, Verndale took control but the Indians managed to tie and send it into overtime. Key free-throws by Joe Otremba and Kevin Kneisl were a deciding factor.
15 Years Ago, February 26, 2009
• Don and Lillian Sommars of Verndale celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary on February 23. Both were born and raised in Wadena County. When they were married in 1942, the world was at war the Great Depression was not over yet. In their 67 years together they have seen a lot of changes, and have survived them with humor and love.
• This pat week the Raiders traveled to Long Prairie for a triangular with Long Prairie/Gray Eagle and Breckenridge. In the first dual against t Breckenridge the Raiders were able to collect a couple of forfeits and win a couple of close matches to lead into the strength of the lineup and when the upper weights took over they shut the door with a couple of quick pins to beat the Cowboys 60-15.
• The Verndale FFA Farm Management team advanced to state competition by placing first at the Region II FFA Farm Management Career Development Event (CDE). Derek Hamann led the team with a score of 112 points, Palani Sheldon scored 95 points followed by Tyler Mindermann with a score of 94 points.