Dusting off the Archives
News from Verndale's Past
75 Years Ago, May 12, 1949
• School Board Clerk Chas. Aldrich reported only one filing for the two vacancies to be filled at the annual election next Tuesday, May 17. S. L. Dalen and Harlan Conley’s terms expire this year. Mr. Conley has filed for re-election.
• The coming weeks attractions at the Verndale Theatre are: Wednesday and Thursday of this week, “Swing Your Partner” starring Lulubelle and Scotty; Friday-Saturday, Eddie Albert and Gale Storm in “The Dude Goes West”; Sunday-Monday, Gregory Peck, Ann Todd, Charles Laughton, and Ethel Barrymore in “The Paradine Case.”
• Sectional Play Days were held at ten different places in the county Friday, May 6. All of the schools of the county attended. The weather was perfect for an event of this kind and the day was thoroughly enjoyed. The morning program consisted of regular field events, and games, such as kitten ball and other types of ball games, were played in the afternoon.
40 Years Ago, May, 1984
• Lions and Lioness from Verndale joined in the “Journey for Sight” walk through the rain to Sunnybrook Park, Wadena, Sunday, earning about $500 through contributions and pledges. Pictured are: John Wanner, Jim Pierce, Marcellus Heithoff, Jim Neuerburg on stilts, Rodney Anderson, Shirley Anderson and Florence Bounds.
• About $300 was raised though donations and pledges garnered by these cyclists who participated in the Cystic Fibrosis Bike-a-Thon sponsored last Saturday by the Verndale Boosters. Eight of the riders earned tee shirts by submitting $35 in cash pledges. Those participating were: Alicia Evans, JoNeen Rousslang, Michelle Stinar, Ronda Thurston, Sandy Anderson, Lonie Clews, Jacob Schwanz, Eric Moyer, Brandi Kvamme and Jode Clews.
• Two Verndale teenagers have been selected as candidates in the 1984 Miss Teen of Minnesota Pageant which will be held July 26-28 in St. Cloud. They are JoNeen Rousslang and Ronda Andrews. Rather than emphasizing beauty, the Miss Teen of Minnesota Pageant recognizes outstanding teenagers who have made significant contributions to their school communities. This year’s candidates will work with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
15 Years Ago, May 21, 2009
• A new book published last month offers practical, proven methods for dealing with aging parents. The book, titled “Mom, Dad...Can We Talk?”, is aimed at baby boomers—sometimes called ‘the sandwich generation’ because they often find themselves handling both the needs of their young adult children, and care of their older parents. The book is the result of teamwork among three authors, all Minnesotans. One of them is Ruth Weispfenning, daughter of Doris and the late Leonard Paulson of rural Eagle Bend. She grew up on her parent’s dairy farm and attended Parkers Prairie School before going to college at Moorhead State University.
• Last Thursday, Mrs. Prescher and Mr. Schluttner’s fourth grade classes visited the Verndale Historical Society. There were eight stations with a historical society member who explained to each group about the particular station. Ken Schmitz showed students uniforms and plaques on Officer McNair who the local park is named after.
• Students participated at the state music contest on Saturday. Congratulations to the vocal and instrumental soloists and ensembles! Superior Sax Duet-Crystal Haskin and Nikki Bart, Superior Vocal Soloists-Jessica Sly, Jasmine Cluney, Meghan Sly, Superior vocal duet-Kaitlin Dunrud and Jessica Sly.