Dusting Off the Archives
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
News from Verndale's past
40 Years Ago, June 4, 1986
• After three years of trying to relocate in Verndale, his goal has finally been achieved. David Hietala, who liked the sound of the name Verndale, chose it as his mailing address three years ago, even though his first office was in his rural Sebeka home. In 1983, he located office space in Wadena, and was still searching for space in Verndale. Because most of their business is done through mail orders, Dave said he found Verndale had the most friendly post office, and felt the town would take pride in the services that were provided. Hietala is the book publisher of RPM Press.
• New Co-op Manager Doug Storrusten has replaced Lyndon McClure who was retired due to illness. Storrusten hails from Fosston where he has been involved with fertilizer, chemicals and feeds for the past 15 years at MF Farm Service. He attended Moorhead State University for two years, a student in business administration. He and his wife, Sharon, have an 11-month-old daughter, Nichole.
• The pane of glass in the door of G & L Service was broke to gain entry to the service station sometime between 7 and 8 p.m. on Memorial Day. The owner had checked the premises about 7 p.m. and it was found broken by police a short time later. It appeared the only items taken were pop, candy and sandwiches. The would be burglar(s) may have been frightened when the alarm sounded.
• This year’s Pirate Clipper, the school annual, was dedicated to Mrs. Carol Derby, who has been the home economics teacher and FHA advisor in the local school for a number of years. The presentation was made at the Junior-Senior Banquet.
15 Years Ago, May 26, 2011
• There are very few living descendants of Verndale’s war hero General Lesley J. McNair. But thanks in large measure to Clarence Horsager of the Verndale Historical Society, two of McNair’s living relatives have been given an opportunity to reflect on him this Memorial Day. Janey Nelson of the Brainerd area is McNair’s niece through his brother Murray. McNair and his wife had one son, Douglas, who was killed in the war. Lisa Katnic, McNair’s great-granddaughter, and her 18-year-old daughter Hallie reside in Santa Barbara, California. The two ladies visited Verndale over the Memorial Day holiday.
• The Lady Raiders traveled to Sebeka for the Park Region Conference Meet on Tuesday where they ran well and had a good showing. The 4x100 relay highlighted the meet with the best race for BHV as they dominated the event, running a best time of the year at 54.2 and becoming conference champions. The team of Hannah Barrett, Kasey Willis, Ashlyn Carlson and Heather Lipinski ran very well and had solid hand-offs.
• Elementary kids lined up for their chance to send Verndale Principal Mr. Sperling into the cold, icy waters last Thursday during their first ever Walk The Plank for Pirates Day. Haley Youngbauer was ecstatic that her aim was on target as she was one of the few fifth grade students to dunk Mr. Sperling. But, no one’s aim was more true than fourth grader Sam Hess who sent Sperling into the brink five times in a row.
• The Verndale Bison started the Lake and Pines baseball season on Saturday, May 14 with a 13-4 win over the Nevis Northstars. Bison starting pitcher Shawn Motl pitched seven innings giving up just one hit, and striking out three Nevis batters to get the win. Ryan Schmitz pitched the 8th and 9th innings in relief.
