Airport installs automated weather observation system

Jan. 24, 1963 – A near record, bitter cold wave had the area in its grasp. Local residents were experiencing the 14th day of ice-cold sub-zero temperatures. Added to the thermometer’s own frigidity were gale-like winds measuring up to 40 mph. Blizzard conditions prevailed though only about an inch of snow had fallen. 

Circulation of books at the Glenwood Public Library hit a new high during 1962, according to Irene Serrin, librarian. Over 24,000 books were circulated, 571 more than the previous year and over 6,000 more than 10 years earlier. Juvenile books topped all categories. 

A Langhei Township man was named Star Farmer during the first annual meeting of the county’s soil and water conservation district. He was Selmer Nyhusmoen. Though Nyhosmoen was in the hospital at the time of the meeting, he won for putting conservation practices into effect on his own farm and that farmed by his son, Sidney. 

Jan. 25, 1973 – The Pope County Tribune reported the death of Lyndon Baines Johnson, 36th president of the United States. He had the presidency thrust upon him following the death of John F. Kennedy and had defeated Barry Goldwater for another term his own. He had announced he would not seek re-election, due in part to his unpopular stance on the Vietnam War. 

President Richard Nixon, according to the Tribune, had announced this same week the end of the conflict in Vietnam. Area residents reported a sense of relief, but there were no real “celebrations” like those following WWI and II. Just one county serviceman was killed in action in Southeast Asia. 

Jan. 20, 1983 – The Glenwood Jaycees were observing Jaycee Week. Among the officers for the local chapter were Phil Stumpf, Gordy Stock, Mark Nepsund, Greg Stoen, Gene Egdorf, Steve Utech, Dan Winter, Jim MaGee, Alan Chairmont, Bruce Wagner, Jim Suckstorff, Jim Quinn, Dennis Jones and Russ Anacker. 

The Jaycees listed projects which they had sponsored or supported. Included were city park playground equipment, city ambulance, Jaws of Life, Daisy shooter education, Reading is FUNdamental, Glenwood Fire Department helmets, senior citizens van, storm window service, sandbox fill, city dock, scholarships, Booster Club, bike safety, “Welcome to Glenwood” sign, Waterama fireworks, haunted house, senior citizens fall bus ride and others. 

The Pope County general livestock judging team captured first place in the junior division at the 77th annual National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colo. Participants were Randy Reese, Pat Morris, Chris Morris and Kathy Morris.  

Jan. 25, 1993 – The first annual Lake Minnewaska ice fishing contest was to be held on Saturday, Jan. 30. The Glenwood Chamber of Commerce, sponsor of the event, had a goal of attracting 2,000 fishermen and women who would vie for $25,000 in prizes. The 25 heaviest fish would qualify for 25 prizes. The top prize for the heaviest fish hooked was to be a 1993 Chevy S-10 4×4 pickup. 

Pope County farmers were asked over a couple of months if they wished to become part owners of a $30,000,000 ethanol plant in Benson. The plant, which was to be a farmer-owned cooperative, was being spearheaded through its early stages of organization and development by Agralite Cooperative. 

The Glenwood Municipal Airport continued to be updated in providing better service to the community and its visitors. The most recent improvement was the installation of the automated weather observation system, a computerized weather station which gives the current weather conditions via telephone and computer screen at the  airport terminal.

Jan. 27, 2003 – The Minnewaska Area Schools Board of Education started talking about some aspects of its key cost-cutting ideas but came to no firm conclusions at its regular meeting Tuesday. 

The board was discussing combining grade levels so that, for example all the fourth-grade students would attend classes in one building. 

What had not been determined was which building each grade might occupy, how many buildings might be used or what is the most efficient way to accomplish that goal. 

Jan. 28, 2013 – The Hatchery in Lowry has officially gone high-tech, offering the first electronic pull tabs in Pope County. The pull tabs were installed last Wednesday morning. Hatchery owner Stacy Gerdes was quick to point out that Torgy’s in Glenwood was also getting electronic pull tabs on Wednesday but in the afternoon, keeping the Hatchery’s claim to fame intact. 

With temperatures well below zero last Tuesday morning, city and county leaders gathered in the newly constructed Oak Tree Inn for a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony. Glenwood Mayor Bill Ogdahl started the ceremony by welcoming the owners and managers of the new hotel facility, which features 56 rooms and 24-hour restaurant called Penny’s Diner. 

When the week began, both the Minnewaska boys’ and girls’ basketball teams were on multi-game losing streaks. At week’s end both teams had enjoyed the taste of victory and were on two-game winning streaks!