Dusting Off the Archives
News from Verndale's Past
75 Years Ago, August 8, 1946
•Art Attleson of Verndale, featherweight champion of the ETO during the war, will be Bomber Olson’s second in the ring on Thursday, August 8, when he tangles with Bob Adams, Minneapolis city Golden Gloves champion in the main event of the American Legion boxing card at the fairgrounds in Perham. Both Olson and Adams have agreed to weigh in at 135.
•C.P. Pettit, one of the first to thresh in this area, reports that his spring wheat averaged 15 bushels to the acre and his rye 16. The late frost when the grain was just coming up last spring is reported to have hurt much of the grain.
•Mr. and Mrs. Nick Tabery, who recently purchased the Art Heinemann building on Main Street, which was formerly occupied by Lynch’s Cafe, will have their grand opening on Saturday of this week. They have taken the initials of their daughter (B.J.) for the name of their business which will hereafter be known as the B.J. Cafe. Mr. and Mrs. Tabery are experienced restaurant operators and plan to give Verndale a first-class place.
40 Years Ago, August 6, 1981
•This year’s Strawhat and Sunbonnet Days are now history, and although threatened by heavy rain showers Saturday morning, proved to be very successful when the sky cleared. Because of the moisture, measuring almost an inch, the kiddie parade which had been scheduled for 10:30 a.m. was held at 1 p.m. Forty-six entries were recorded. In addition to the concessions at McNair Park, games for young and old followed the kiddie parade. Kami Moyer’s jumper placed first in the frog race, followed by Roxanne Adams, second and Nancy Sherer, Wadena, third. Winners in the rolling competition were Stephanie Perius, Roger Denny, Chad and Chris Brinkman. Balloon toss winners were Robin Snook and Collin Dirks.
•With two members (Reul and Anderson) absent Monday, the Verndale City Council approved the assessment roll for the city’s water improvement at its regular meeting. Seven persons had appeared at the previous month’s meeting to protest, and some adjustments were made. Those still having grievances have 30 days beyond the adoption date to make an appeal through the district court.
•Eight Verndale FFA members competed in two contests, dairy and general livestock, on Sunday at the East Otter Tail County Fair in Perham. The top half received blue ribbons, the middle half receiving red ribbons and the remaining third, white ribbons. Verndale’s dairy team was led by Greta Goddard, who was awarded a blue ribbon for her effort. David Anderson and Russ Andrews received red ribbons. A white ribbon went to Mike James.
15 Years Ago, August 10, 2006
•Four Verndale girls played on the Wadena Prowler Junior Olympic softball teams this summer. On the 16 and under division team were Nicole Bart and Alicia Johnson, and in the 14 and under division were Elizabeth Johnson and Christine Moenkedick. These Verndale girls were joined by other players from Bertha and Wadena to form some top-rate teams. Both teams made it to the state tournament this year.
•The Verndale PEP Club (Pirate Enrichment Program) is a 21st-century community learning center program that was made possible through a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education and the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. The PEP club recently visited the Bemidji Headwaters Science Center.
•The fire at the home of Bryce and Cindy Greer on July 23 was responded to by both the Hewitt and Verndale fire departments. No one was at home when the fire started. The origin of the blaze appeared to be at the center of the home. Bryce Greer is serving in Iraq at this time.