Dusting Off the Archives
News from Verndale's Past
75 Years Ago, August 15, 1946
• The first polio case for this community was reported last Friday. Raymond Murdock, the 7-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Dave Murdock, was the victim. Mr. and Mrs. Murdock and Bud Goche took him to Minneapolis on Saturday afternoon to leave him for treatment. The rest of them returned home on Sunday. Raymond had been sick for several days with what was thought to be the stomach flu. On Friday he began to lose control of one hip and his leg. Tuesday night’s report gave a total of 1184 cases in Minnesota.
• The Verndale businessmen, operators of the local theatre, made the decision this week to close the Verndale Theatre until further notice, due to the possibility of spreading infantile paralysis.
• Cancellation of all 4-H club activities at this year’s Minnesota State Fair, which would involve children, was announced on Monday by the University of Minnesota Agriculture extension service. Extension Director Paul E. Miller said the present infantile paralysis epidemic made it inadvisable to bring together 2000 4-H club members to participate in the contests and demonstrations at the state fair, the climax of the year’s 4-H activities.
40 Years Ago, August 13, 1981
• Black powder demonstrations were given each day of the England Prairie Days celebration held last weekend at their site three miles southwest of Verndale. In the photo, aiming at the target is Wayne Uberto of Hewitt. Looking on to see if he scores is Cameron Staple of Aldrich. Pappy Hartman of Bertha is shown loading his flintlock pistol. All three freely answered questions and offered interested persons the opportunity to shoot the firearms.
• The Verndale Bison lined up to welcome “home” four runners who scored when Bob Carr hit a grand slam homer on Sunday. It enhanced the Bison’s winning score over the Wadena Indians in the second of three games in the play-offs.
• A good crowd was in attendance at the gospel concert which was held on Sunday evening, August 2 in the conclusion of the festivities held during Strawhat and Sunbonnet Days. Vocalists were Rosalie Pankratz, Diane Harris, Shirley VanBatavia, accompanied by her daughter Heidi and Deb (nee Jacobson) Drewlow. A puppet show was held in conjugation with the songfest. Lois Shlupp and Marietta Van Gorp were also pictured.
15 Years Ago, August 17, 2006
• Christopher Schmitz, a graduate of the Verndale class of 1998, wrote his book with a purpose and passion. He mainly hoped to reach people that may not necessarily want to take up theological studies but can absorb a powerful message from his interesting, action-packed fantasy novel nonetheless. Chris is the son of Ken and Val Schmitz of Verndale. The title of his book is The Kakos Realm: Grinden Proselyte.
• The Bryce and Cindy Greer family is holding together after losing their home to fire back on July 23. At the time of the fire, Bryce was stationed in Iraq serving as a Navy Seabee. Bryce was able to come home on July 29 for what was supposed to be only a fourteen-day emergency leave. His tour of duty overseas was scheduled to be done in October, but due to the circumstance, he was granted an early leave. Almost everything they owned was destroyed in the blaze. Friends and neighbors pitched in to aid in cleaning up the mess, and now the Greers are laying out plans to build a new home.
• Bruce Koppenhaver was sworn in as a member of the Verndale City Council. Koppenhaver was appointed to serve until December 31, 2006. The seat is up for a special election in November to fill the remaining two years of Todd Brenna’s term. Brenna resigned from the council on July 3.