Dusting Off the Archives

News from Verndale's Past

40 Years Ago, December 18, 1985

• “It was fantastic,” said Brian and Nancy Roth of Thomastown Township when they heard the news they had been chosen winners of the Farm Bureau State Young Farmer Award. “We were overjoyed. It’s not that we’re the best,” Brian said, “it’s just a good feeling just to be one of the six since Minnesota is one of the larges agricultural states and the Farm Bureau the largest farm organization in the state.”

• Pictured are those enjoying an imaginary sleigh ride which came to an abrupt halt causing them to lurch forward: Larry and Diane Hahn, Driver Maurie Finck and Marlene, Virgil Schmitz, Jim Derby, Lois Gould, Peg Hokanson, Sharon and Reverend Craig Haberman. It was during the Christmas Extravaganza.

• Peppi, the parrot mascot, was introduced to the school board by Barb Schenk, chairman of the Verndale Celebration Committee. The mascot appeared at the first boys basketball game of the season to everyone’s surprise, and it was this issue that caused controversy. Pat Jensen, cheerleader advisor, said the costume was beautiful, but the cheerleaders felt there was no room for a mascot and wondered if they weren’t doing a good job. Jensen said they felt the student should try out for the mascot and that it should know the cheerleading routines so it would not detract from their efforts. Peppi would remain the property of the city celebration committee, and asked permission to attend the games.

• Ten cases of scarlet fever and strep throat have been reported in school in the past week and a half, and the administration said that it would be treated under doctor’s care. The incubation period is a mere three days after exposure. Early signs are sore throat, earache and rash. Left untreated, strep throat can have serious after effects, causing permanent heart or kidney damage.

15 Years Ago, Decenber 16, 2010

• Verndale’s municipal off-sale liquor store at the Bullseye Bar and Gril, located on the west side of Verndale, will close the end of March, so say members of the Verndale City Council. The council unanimously approved the motion by Council Member Tara Erckenbrack, seconded by Bruce Koppenhaver, to close the store at the conclusion of the city’s three-year lease agreement with Bullseye on March 28.

• The Pirates boys basketball team opened their season with a tough road test at Upasla. Verndale held tough for most of the first half, but foul trouble and missed opportunities, combined with a strong finish by Upsala, ultimately led to a 42-17 halftime advantage for the Cardinals. Points: Ehrmantraut 9; Meidinger 9; Schmitz 8.

• The Bertha-Hewitt-Verndale Raiders traveled to Barnsville this past week for a dual with the Trojans. With the flu bug hitting some guys and with being thin in the middle of the line up, the Raiders had three open weights against a strong Barnsville squad. It was going to be a tough night for the men in black. Justin Gordan started off the night and wrestled a very good match against one of the tougher guys in the section. Jackie Swenson, Andrew Cihlar and Dan Houchin wrestled the next three matches and after a 17-1 loss the Raiders were in a 20-0 hole.

• The Gingerbread Man made his annual appearance at the Verndale School on December 9. The only difference this year, was an actual gingerbread man was sighted peeking through the windows at the children. School Counselor Tom Nelson tried to catch the playful fellow to no avail. The Gingerbread Man was always just out of reach of Mr. Nelson, the kindergarten and the first grade students.

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