Dusting off the Archives

News from Verndale's past

40 Years Ago, August 7, 1985

• The unveiling of Verndale’s second Sorehead took place on stage about 11:30 Saturday morning after the kiddie parade. Verndale firemen brought them to the site with sirens sounding and lights flashing. A total surprise to Barb Schenk, she tried to decide which of the three should be unveiled first without revealing the winner until last. The ultimate winner was Robert Schultz, who received his new cap from 1984 Sorehead Bill Beaven.

• The Lions Club members will travel from house to house in Verndale Thursday night seeking donations of articles for the upcoming auction to raise funds for the new community center. If you will not be home, but have something to contribute, contact Cork Anderson.

• New Lioness officers were recently installed by Phyllis Sellnow of Hewitt. They are: Sharon Bain-Voeltz, treasurer; Barb Schwartz, secretary; Shirley Boe, president; Linda Tarrell, board member; Sharon Neuerburg, first vice president; Kathy Johnson, board member; and Irene Grewing, hair puller. Boe received the gavel from outgoing president Phyllis Fisher.

• Members of the royalty, Jamie Henderson and Queen Lynette Hahn, were introduced before the kiddie parade, along with “Mrs. Music”, Marguerite Seaton, who has provided music for her church, lodge, school and other activities for over 50 years. And the parade’s Grand Marshal, Ted Masog, Verndale’s high school band instructor, was introduced by Celebration Chairman Barb Schenk, who was dressed in a 50’s era dance costume.

15 Years Ago, August 5, 2010

• The Wadena County Sheriff’s Office received a new addition to their K9 unit this week—Zeus. The total cost for training and the purchase of the dog was around $12,000. Donations from various businesses within the county and also private citizens made this possible. The K9 unit is a great tool for the county and will benefit the sheriff’s office in numerous areas of law enforcement. “Zeus is a very good dog and I was fortunate to go down to Fridley for a day and watch him train. Out of seven dogs at the school, he was truly one of the best,” said Sheriff Carr. He comes from the Czeck Republic.

• The 2010 Wadena County Fair was held July 29-31 despite the devastation and damage of the recent tornadoes. There was plenty of food and entertainment, a truck and tractor pull, moto cross racing, demo derby, exhibits to view, 4-H shows, helicopter rides and face painting. And you could try to stay atop the mechanical bull. For carnival-goers there were rides along with games for people of all ages.

• The Verndale Bison lost to the Nisswa Lightning 4-2 in the championship game of the Lake and Pine South playoffs. Nisswa advanced to the championship game by defeating Nimrod 9-1 early in the day in Verndale. Nisswa had a 4-0 lead going into the bottom of the eighth inning against the Bison. Matt Moenkedick started the inning off with a single and Nate Runyan hit a home run over the left field fence to make things interesting at 4-2.

• Representing Brainerd International Raceway, Lauren Tuner of rural Verndale, was one of three young drag racers from Minnesota who qualified for and attended the National Hot Rod Association’s Western Conference Finals held at Bandimere Speedway near Denver, Colorado on July 8-10. Drivers selected for this event compete for the title of National Champion among other special awards. Lauren’s Lucas Oil sponsored Top Alcohol Jr. Dragster was selected as “Best Overall Appearing Car,” among the field of over 400 entries.

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