Looking Back
News from Bertha's and Hewitt's Pasts
25 Years Ago
June 17, 1998
The Bertha City Council is concerned with the condition of the city’s wastewater treatment facility. The sewer treatment plant was built 32 years ago with the expectation that it would last 20 years. The plant, which has lasted 12 years longer than was expected, is beginning to show signs of wear. Mayor Don Booen stated at the June 8 meeting, “Right now it is working fine, but things are getting worn out and rusting out. It’s just plain wearing out.” Council Member Ken Ashbaugh explained to the council the cement is getting bad in spots. He said he didn’t have room for winter storage for sludge and the storage capacity doesn’t allow for new manufacturing businesses to come to town.
**********
What is the perfect 50th wedding anniversary gift? Marcella Arndt gave the gift of life on her 50th at the Bertha Blood Drive held at the Bertha-Hewitt School on June 10. Marcella has been giving blood for nearly a decade. Even though numbers were down from previous years, because the American Red Cross scheduled the drive too soon after the Eagle Bend Blood Drive, 48 pints of blood were collected at the drive.
50 Years Ago
June 17, 1948
Dr. W.W. Will was one of three University of Minnesota alumni who were awarded gold medals at the annual alumni banquet held at the University for services rendered. The president of the University, James L. Morrill, presented the “Outstanding Achievement Award” to Dr. Will.
***********
The annual Women’s Club picnic was well attended. At the business meeting with Mrs. R.W. Bassett presiding, the ladies voted to donate $5 toward the cancer fund and $10 to help the Girl Scout organization. It was also decided to have the park tables painted and the location of a new fireplace was decided upon.