Days added to the school year

March 21, 1963 – The Glenwood High School concert band was hard at work putting the finishing touches on their upcoming performance at the music educators’ nation conference, north central division, to be held in Minneapolis. The band, under its usual direction of George Opheim, was working with Weston Noble, director of the Luther College band from Decorah, Iowa. 

Old Man Winter blew out of town leaving a wet 8 inches of snow behind. The heavy, wet snow apparently did no damage to trees or power lines and roads remained clear during most of the snowfall. Mrs. Johnny Elvehjem reported eight robins in her yard at the farm. 

John Robideaux, Leven Township, was named the top farmer sportsman in the county and one of the top 15 in the state. Robideaux was nominated by the Glenwood Sportsmen’s Club. He was active in the community in a variety of areas. 

March 22, 1973 – Floyd Anderson, Ben Wade Township farmer, was elected chair of the county’s historical society. He had served as vice chair and succeeded J. H. Peterson. Other officers and board members included Norton Schensted, Arnold Opdahl, Mabel Barsness Peterson, Mrs. Emil Sundheim, Henry Hanson, Mrs. Earl Ettesvold and Helmer Bakko.

Fred and Loris Weispfenning were named outstanding farmers by Pope County’s Soil and Water Conservation District. The two had farmed as partners since 1950. They were cited especially for their contributions or irrigation in the area. Presenting the award was Joe Gandrud, executive secretary of the SWCD board.

Pictured in the Tribune was representatives of the Glenwood VFW and Auxiliary who presented monies to representatives of the Glenwood Community Hospital and the city of Glenwood. Pictured were Liz Torfin, Norman Howard, Pat Olson, Unc Anderson, Don Bishop, Chuck Kettells, Norm Nelson and Arnie Domke.

March 24, 1983 – It appeared that the issuance of bad checks in the county was on the rise. Representatives of the court said that 129 complaints of bad checks were received the previous year with 78 already signed in 1983.

Superintendent Norb Kerfeld and the District No. 612 Board of Education were at work on the 1983-84 budget and were pondering where cuts could be made. Some faculty cuts were under consideration as was the introduction of an activity fee which had been proposed and not approved the previous year. 

March 22, 1993 – The Laker boys’ basketball team’s winning streak ended at 25. They lost to Pelican Rapids 57-55 in the Section 6A semifinals in Moorhead.

The Villard school board decided to replace the gym floor at Villard Elementary School at a cost of $30,900. The board took the action after reviewing bids received for the replacement of the floor.

March 24, 2003 – War in Iraq spelled the end of a trip to Washington D.C. for 55 students and chaperones from Minnewaska Area High School. 

Group leader, high school social studies teacher Bill Mills, recommended that the trip be canceled and the MAS school board agreed last week. 

The Minnewaska Area Schools Board of Education is narrowing its choices for elementary structure last week but deferred action, probably until the April board meeting, until the long-term impact of each option can be evaluated. 

March 25, 2013 – It’s not joke, there will be school on April 1! That day was originally the final day of a brief break for Easter but due to four snow days and nine late starts, Minnewaska Area Schools will need to make up two days. So the school board approved that adjustment in the spring schedule last Tuesday.  School will be held April 1 and May 31. 

Should Minnewaska Area Schools switch back to a seven-period day for the coming school year? That was the request presented to the Minnewaska Area Schools Board of Education last Tuesday, even though the district has already completed registration based on a six-period day for this fall.

Pioneer Public Television is proud to premiere the next episode of Postcards on Sunday, March 31 at 7 p.m. with Alexandria Area Art. In this episode, viewers will visit with Connie Lee, a former Nashville County artist and owner of the local Tennessee Roadhouse in Alexandria. Plus, catch a special performance with Connie Lee and Friends at the Roadhouse. Then, will hear from an emerging young talented, Josie Nelson, also from Alexandria. Also see Glenwood artist Rikki Sneddon paint a collage in her home studio.