Dusting off the Archives

News from Verndale's Past

40 Years Ago, June 19, 1985

• The action by firemen was delayed last Saturday morning by spectators on the windward side of the anhydrous plant where a leak was noted about 10:45. Because of the direction of the wind, Virgil Schmidt was unable to get to the pump to turn it off, so he summoned help. Later a fuse blew and the pump turned itself off and the problem was resolved. Approximately 25-75 pounds of gas were lost as a result when a pressure valve failed on the pump. Of greatest concern was the number of spectators whose lives may have been threatened had the release of gas been more intense. A word of caution has been issued. Should a similar incident occur again—do not go near the site. Anhydrous fumes can kill, and it would be a shame if such a tragedy should occur just because of curiosity.

• The smell of barbecued chicken permeated the air around McNair Park early Sunday morning as Florian Schmid, Dale Paulsen, Elmer Wiese and others prepared for the Legion and Auxiliary feed that noon. While the fellows cooked the chicken, Auxiliary members prepared the beverages, salad, beans and baked potatoes in the fire hall kitchen. They are Mildred Schmid, Mabel Sellnow of Hewitt, Florence Weber, Avis Paulsen, Harriet Gaul, Lillian Hieb, Emarita Maxfield, Betty Wiese, Kathy Wiese and Judy Bounds. Taking turns serving were Kenneth Jensen of Staples, Rodney Bounds, Elmer Wiese, Wilbur Seaton, Emarita Maxfield, Kathy Wiese and Lee Tarrell. Grabbing a beverage was Gary Bramer.

• Rodney Hastings of Fargo came with his wife for the museum open house and to obtain information on his family. Formerly residents in the home now occupied by the Waisanen family, he visited with Alyce Seaton, and MaryLu McLure, long after the open house hours were over. He also made a sizable donation in appreciation for the work they’ve done and said if the information he obtained would lead to success in contacting family members, he’d be even more generous.

• With the payment of $28,650 on bond redemption, interest and other debt service, District 818 has paid off its debt on the school building. Because of that, the school levy for the 1985-1986 year was not increased, which should be reflected in your taxes.

15 Years Ago, June 24, 2010

• On June 17, a single storm ravaged the city of Wadena. Over 200 homes were damaged from Thursday’s tornado and over 19 injuries were reported at Tri-County Hospital. One place of destruction was Tim Fiskum’s residence. Fiskum is the high school English teacher at the Verndale School. His house and garage suffered extensive damage and he and his family worked to save what they could. As soon as reports of severe weather came through, Fiskum rushed his wife Tanya and their three children to safety in their basement’s crawl space. He stayed upstairs listening to weather reports on the television and watching the sky. “As soon as the warning said to take shelter, we did. I didn’t think it looked too bad outside, but one minute later I started hearing what sounded like a freight train,” recalled Fiskum. “My ears popped, and I started hearing the sounds of breaking and shattering above me. It was difficult just holding the basement door shut.”

• Mayor Wayne Wolden said his main concern following the initial devastation of the storm is keeping people safe from a number of dangers left behind. Officials from all levels of government have been working overtime in a cooperative effort to take care of safety issues such as downed power lines and natural gas leaks, while law enforcement has been keeping traffic to a minimum. Homeowners in the southwest side of town have been issued passes and given escorts to their own homes while officials try to keep out non-residents, sight-seers, unqualified contractors and the like. Governor Pawlenty commended local and area officials in their efforts to mobilize in a cooperative manner immediately following the destruction. He referred to a “can-do attitude” and a “can-do spirit” in this community.

Subscribe to get more of your current news!