Dusting off the Archives

News from Verndale's Past

40 Years Ago, September 11, 1985

• Eighty-five percent of the student body escaped the invasion of head lice at Verndale School last week which was the second time around this year. Last January, the entire elementary department was sent home in an effort to eradicate the problem. Prior to the start of school, the administration had been warned that head lice were present in the area so the school board voted to conduct a head check at the beginning of school with the aid of the Wadena County Public Health Department. The 15 percent of the student body infested were sent home with special shampoo.

• Parents and even grandparents were on had to help students make the transition from home to school when the doors were opened for the 1985-1986 school year last week on Tuesday. Some were also on hand to record the events on film. Those pouring from buses displayed various degrees of excitement. Enrollment figures show an increase of 10 new students this year, 12 in elementary and two less in high school. Pictured, Michael Orlando accompanied younger brother Jason who entered kindergarten this year.

• Homecoming queen candidates were chosen last week and one will be crowned on Monday night, September 16, in the school auditorium. The girls and their escorts are: Dan Dahlvang, Lynette Hahn, Chris Youngbauer, Heidi Van Batavia, Paul Greenwaldt and Pauline Colby.

• The Verndale Pirates dominated in all facets of the game in their 16-6 victory over the Backus Wolverines last Friday. The win put the Pirates at 2-0 for the season. The Pirates tallied initially on a one yard plunge by senior running back Bryan Jacobson, and a two-point conversion by quarterback Jon Sherek with six minutes remaining in the first quarter. Verndale finalized the scoring by garnering eight more points before halftime, a safety by Chris Schill and an 8-yard touchdown strike by Dean Fisher.

15 Years Ago, September 9, 2010

• A celebration for everyone who had volunteered or had been affected by the June 17 tornado was held at the Wadena Fairgrounds on Saturday, August 28. Those who attended were treated to free food, live bands and entertainment. Inflatable blow up games were available for the children and there was a fireworks display that evening. Pictured, Richard Paly was happy to volunteer his time serving beverages during the celebration. Renee Boose and Dianne Wylie of Park Rapids made t-shirts to sell for donations.

• Are you bored after school? Do you need help with your homework or just need some place to go? Then come to the Anchor Christian Youth Center in Verndale. We offer music lessons, computers for homework and projects, games (ping-pong, pool, air hockey, etc.). The youth center is open to all students in grades 7-12 and is open Monday through Friday 3:30-6 p.m. beginning September 7.

• The Lady Pirates traveled to Parkers Prairie the other day and faced a very tough Panthers team. The girls played hard, but couldn’t pull off the win. Individual game scores were 23-25, 25-19, 15-25 and 22-25. Ashley Richter led the team in kills with three, while Teresa Moenkedick and Kayla Graba each picked up two kills.

• The Pirates football team traveled to Wheaton on Friday night to open up their 2010 campaign. It was tough sledding offensively as Verndale was held to just 78 total yards. All of the scoring happened in the second quarter as Wheaton’s Wolfgang plunged in from the one yard line. The ensuing kickoff saw Jacob Perius burst through the return line and take it back 86 yards. Cody Youngbauer added the two point run and the Pirates led 8-6.

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