Looking Back
News from Bertha and Hewitt's Pasts
25 Years Ago
February 24, 1999
“The ink was barely dry on the newspaper when Ray Eiswald came over to offer his help”, said Gary Westergren, referring to an article about his efforts to bring back ringneck pheasants to the area around the Wing River in western Bertha Township. Westergren’s love of the outdoors and hunting was the catalyst for him to take on the project of raising, releasing and feeding pheasants. For too many years hearing the distinctive crowing or seeing a pheasant along the roadway was a rarity.
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The Bertha-Hewitt School Board voted to employ Diane Tiegland as elementary administrative assistant, effective July 1, 1999 as recommended by the interview committee. Tiegland, who presently teaches fifth grade at Bertha-Hewitt, will replace Betty Kempe. Kempe is retiring after working for the district for 27 years.
50 Years Ago
February 24, 1948
The annual meeting for the Bertha Cooperative Association held at the Bertha School auditorium drew a crowd of approximately 500 people. The secretary’s report showed the creamery enjoyed one of its best years in history, doing a total volume of $902,332.
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Members of Mrs. Arnold Kujath’s speech class will hold a speech festival in the high school auditorium on February 28 at 8 p.m. Those receiving superior ratings will participate in the district contest to be held at Alexandria on March 12.