Pope County’s first Relay For Life event held

August 2, 1962–The Glenwood ski tower, a city landmark for almost half a century, was destined to be no more unless some organization willing to fund it came forward. The tower had been blown down in a recent storm. The Glenwood Lions, sponsors of the annual ski tournaments for years, voted not to replace the structure. 

Ted Thompson, local weather record man, said that statistics showed that nearly nine inches of rain in July was the most rainfall in the month since 1935 when 11.5 inches drenched the city. The 26- year average for July was 3.25 inches. 

Carol Hustad was crowned queen at the annual Waterama celebration with Diane Femrite and Linda Christopherson as princesses. Jeanne Noyes was crowned junior Waterama queen. The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra played at the Lakeside Ballroom for the big dance, the final event of the weekend.

August 3, 1972  – Mabel Barsness and Herman Rosholt were named Outstanding Senior Citizens for the county. Both were cited as having contributed to their communities in many areas. Barsness was recognized especially for her work with the historical society. Rosholt had done important work in the soil and water conservation. 

Members of the Glenwood City Commission were asking themselves, “Where do we go from here?” The question arose due to the infiltration running into the city’s sewer system. Around 750,000 gallons of sewage was running each day into a treatment plant designed to handle 450,000 gallons. Experts said that the heavy amount of rain and the high lake level contributed to the problem. 

Winners of the Waterama Kiddie Parade included Karen Bommersbach, Ann Wedum, Molly Wedum, Jane Dero, Gerald Klimek, Tammy Severson, Samantha Mattson, Tim and Greg Jenum and Becky Hegna. 

August 5, 1982  –  The City of Glenwood raised its white flag in its battle with Dutch Elm Disease. The city commission rescinded its order that no diseased trees be standing or wood with bark remaining on it be left in town since,
‘we have about 50 trees to remove ourselves.”

The small grain harvest was just getting underway in the county with estimates indicating that oats harvest would be poorer than normal with the jury still  out on barley and wheat. Indications were, however, that those two crops might be better than average. 

Liz Morris, Sarah Weispfennig and JoAnn Opdahl were named winners in the annual 4-H Fashion Revue and were awarded trips to the state fair. Also given a state fair trip was Chris Morris. Additional winners pictures in the Tribune were Laurie Larson, Kathy Morris, Marie Opdahl, Kris Tollefson, Janet Thompson and Jill Anderson. 

August 3, 1992 – Pope County commissioners heard people both in favor of and opposed to reactivating the Pope County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) at a hearing on Thursday. The county once had an HRA in the 1970s, but the organization failed when several projects the HRA tried to start were not successful. 

Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Sandy Keith announced that Judge Terry Collins, who retired on July 31, would be replaced. 

Pictured in the Tribune were Bob Vandenburgh and Roland McCrory with their “oil well” on the North edge of Glenwood. The two men had decided to construct this fake well and had much fun with peoples reaction to Glenwood’s new oil well. 

August 5, 2002 – Dr. Robert P. Montenegro started accepting appointments at Glacial Ridge Health System as its newest family physician on August 12th. He moved here with his wife, Delight, and son, Rob. 

Thirty cancer survivors in the area walked around the Minnewaska Area High School track as a special kickoff to the first annual Pope County Relay for Life. The survivors lap was the first of many laps starting at 6 p.m. and continuing until 6 a.m., all to raise money for the American Cancer Society. 

Al Lalim, of Glenwood, was named to serve on the board of directors of the Minnesota Lions Eye Bank. He was selected by the governor of his Lions district. His one year appointment is renewable for up to four years. He has been a member of the Glenwood Lions Club for 18 years. 

Jody Koubsky, 27, started work as Pope County’s 4-H program coordinator and has been asked over and over again about her own 4-H experiences; she has none. She does have experience with the Extension Service’s youth development program, Future Farmers of America, as well as judging and training for past fairs. She said she wanted to get back into youth development. 

August 6, 2012 – High winds and heavy rains moved through Pope County last Friday evening, causing some downed trees. A trampoline from a neighbors yard ended up some 30 feet up in a tree on Frank Schmainda’s property at 1st Avenue SE in Glenwood. The trampoline was full-sized and would have had to travel about 150 feet or more from behind the neighbor’s house, which was across the street from Frank’s home. The storm did put a damper on the Pope County Fair for the evening, forcing the rodeo to close down early as people scattered for their vehicles. 

Teenagers broke out their mad texting skills to battle for the title of “fastest thumbs in Pope County” at the first annual texting contest. The winners were Alicia Martinson and Ashley Bakko, earning themselves free passes to the midway. Contestants were: Alicia Martinson, Ashley Bakko, Abby Rupp, Eleanor Ruchti and Lacey Koubsky.