Looking Back

News from Bertha and Hewitt's Pasts

25 Years Ago

May 17, 2000

At the May 8 Bertha City Council meeting, Pete Wallner addressed the council on the need for housing in the city of Bertha. He inquired what the city’s interest is and what they are willing to do. Wallner has contacted John Strand and Craig Folkstead to have papers drawn up for a sewer and water grant and/or low interest funds. Wallner has been working on this for three years and something needs to be done. Clerk Janet Umland will contact Strand and Folkstead to set up a special meeting date so questions about the grant and low interest funds can be answered.

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Three students received choir awards: Zane Packard and Lee Current received the Jessie Olston Spirit Award and Mathew Voeltz received the National School Choral Award.

75 Years Ago

May 18, 1950

Over 100 Masons gathered at the Masonic Hall in Bertha to witness the dedication and constituting of the new Bertha Masonic Lodge and the installation of officers. In charge of the ceremony was the Worshipful Master of Minnesota Masons, Keith M. Brown of Fairmount. Assisting Brown were many of the Grand Lodge officers from throughout the state. The second story of the Bertha Hotel has been completely remodeled for the new lodge. The first officers are: O.C. Westergren, master; R.V. Smith, senior warden; B.E. Waldon, junior warden; O.E. Tangen, treasurer; George E. Hartz, secretary; C.B. Will, senior deacon; Walter Kotz, junior deacon; Albert Shanstrom, senior steward; David Sunders, junior steward; E.C. Wegener; and M.B. Will, marshal.

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There were no contests in either the Bertha or Hewitt School Board elections. There were 95 votes cast in Bertha with Charles LeCount and Woodrow Anderson being elected. Only 11 votes were cast in Hewitt with Arthur Tritsch and Maurice Esterman being elected.

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