110 YEARS AGO

From May 29, 1914

The grand opening of the Du Glada theatre was held on Saturday and Sunday evening, May 23 and 24. Seven hundred twenty-seven tickets were sold for the two days. George W. Hughes, cashier of the First National bank, bought the first ticket. Music was furnished both evenings by the Starbuck four-piece orchestra. The theater is owned and by constructed by A.G. Englund of Starbuck. 

A class of 12 will receive their high school diplomas as the commencement exercises on Monday evening. They are Agnes S. Forde, George O. Fossen, Bennie T. Griebenow, Herman A. Larson, Raul J. Metli, Lyla M. Olson, Harold R. Peterson, Ernest R. Stenson, Tina M. Smedstad, Edna E. Thompson, Pearly A. Swenson and A. Clifford Torguson. Class colors: Violet and gold. Class motto: “Step by Step.” Class flower: Lily of the valley. 

Dr. and Mrs. C.R. Christenson left Wednesday morning for a trip to Norway. The doctor will attend a medical meeting there. 

The pupils of the fifth and sixth grade had a party Thursday afternoon at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Rye. Miss Yost, the teacher of these grades, had charge of it. Games were played and a splendid lunch. 

100 YEARS AGO

From June 5, 1924

Mr. and Mrs. John Norby and son Palmer left Wednesday on their trip to Seattle and the North Pacific coast. The trip will be made in their Ford sedan. They plan to camp along the way. At Billings they will meet two of Mr. Norby’s cousins. After attending the sessions of a Lutheran conference being held there, the cousins will accompany them across the mountains to Seattle where they will visit Mr. Norby’s sister. 

At the meeting of the East Fron Ladies’ Aid last Wednesday afternoon at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Billehus, appropriate services were held commemorating the organized of the society. The East Fron Ladies’ Aid was organized in the home of Mr. and Mrs. A. Overson on June 4, 1890. Of the 20 members who took the part during the beginning of the organization, nine have passed away, namely: Mrs. Issac Engebretson, Mrs. Martin Amundson, Mrs. Ole Smedstad, Mrs. Ole Amundson, Mrs. Olaf Haugen, Mrs. Mari Hagestuen, Mrs. Jacob Brenden, Mrs. Kari Skaaden, Mrs. Christine Swensrude. Ten are still living and active in the work. These are Mmes. Julia Barsness, Anne Grenson, B. Mickelson, A. Overson, E. Thompson, Amund Brenden, Mari Graasletten, Arne Bredeson, Elland Brandvold and Ole Kleven.

90 YEARS AGO

From May 31, 1934

The twenty-fifth annual commencement exercises of the Starbuck High School will be held on May 31. The Hon. Stafford King, State Auditor, will deliver the address. The following high school seniors are candidates for graduation: Elsa Arneson, Ruth Brendon, Ruby Hansen, Jeanette Ingvarson, Eva Larson, Ruth Vinge, Clara Voight, Helen Wollan, Glenn Bergee, Ivend Holen and James Pederson. Ruby Hansen is the valedictorian and Ivend Holen the salutatorian.

Mr. Geo. C. Arneson, who has been the druggist in Starbuck for 12 years, has sold his drug store to Alex L. Kapsner of St. Cloud, who will take over the business on Friday. The Arnesons are moving to Tacoma, Washington in August. Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Aslakson were honored on their 25th wedding anniversary at the Haldor Aslakson home last Sunday, when about 200 friends and relatives gathered to help them celebrate. The Aslaksons have three daughters, Muriel, Adeline and Deloris. 

Funeral services for Harris Clifford Nelson, who was accidentally killed near Boulder, Montana, were held at the Fron church on Tuesday, Rev. M. Casper Johnshoy officiating. He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Minnie Nelson; two sisters, Agnes and Marion; two brothers, Clarence and Eldred. Also several uncles and aunts. 

Thursday, Friday and Saturday of last week were cool and clear. Most of the housewives felt it would be safe to clean house thinking the dirt storms were over. But Sunday morning they returned with vengeance, a hot southwest wind blowing all morning, changing to southeast later. At noon on Monday the temperature was 102 in the shade. Tuesday the hot weather continued. Pastures are dry and livestock are in danger of starvation if relief does not come soon. 

80 YEARS AGO

From June 8, 1944

John Brenden received a message from the War Department at Washington on Saturday stating that his son, Arden, is safe in some neutral country. Arden was reporting missing April 1. 

Hazel O. Svingen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christ O. Svingen of Lake Hazel and Calvin E. Perderson, were married in the Lake Hazel Lutheran Church June 1. Lt. and Mrs. Perderson left on Monday night for Jensen Beach, Florida where they will make their home. 

Funeral service for Issac Hendrick Clifford, 65, were held from the East Zion Lutheran Church Monday afternoon. He is survived by his wife, Caroline and one daughter, Mrs. Rudolf (Agnes) Himango and one son, Clarence.

Mrs. Gene Ophaug entertained several little tots and their mothers Monday afternoon in honor of Bobby’s second birthday. 

L.E. Finstad of White Bear Lake township was elected president of the White Bear Lake Insurance Company Tuesday and Melvin Billehus of Barsness Township was elected secretary.

70 YEARS AGO

From June 10, 1954

Irvin Aal of the White Bear Lake 4-H Club won first place in the land judging school and contest which was held at the Ralph Moe farm in Minnewaska township. Irvin had a total of 229 points. Arlo Refsal, also of the White Bear Lake Club, placed second. 

Clifford Lingen, Starbuck, son of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Lingen, was graduated from Concordia College Monday, May 31. Clifford received the Bachelor of Arts degree. Having a major in physics and a minor in mathematics. 

At a candlelight ceremony in the Indherred church of Starbuck on Saturday evening, Kathryn Yvonne Lorvig, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ole Lorvig, became the bride of Earl A. Stein of Moorhead. After a wedding trip in northern Minnesota and Canada the young people will make their home in Moorhead. 

A bridal shower will be given in honor of Miss Bernice Hagen at the Barsness church parlors on Tuesday evening, June 15. 

60 YEARS AGO

From May 28, 1964

Diplomas will be awarded to the 1964 graduating class tonight (May 28) at the H.S. Auditorium. Following is the class roll: Suzanne Landgraf, Eugene Berg, Helen Disrud, Marcus Baukol, Rebecca Barsness, Dave Bardal, Cheryl Ronnie, Clifford Martinson, Helen Rasmusen, Robert Aaberg, Barbara Knorr, Dave Rosten, Frances Thorstad, Richard Thorstad, Marilyn Kalmoe, Sheila Erickson, Mark Brendon, Mary Ann Teigen, Steven Hippe, Susan Smedstad, Richard Ellickson, Corliss Perderson, Jerald Tharaldson, Harvey Erickson, Judith  Hagestuen, John Samuelson, JoAnne Fischer, Donald Heggestad, Sharon Berg, Norman Norland, Janince Kirkwold, William Kyvig, Gail Rundquist, Conrad Barsness, Denise Branch, Gary Landmark, Corrine Kjorstad, Ellwood Barsness, Darlene Otteson, Richard Carlson, Linda Otteson, John Edmunds, Mary Roiland, Robert Kyvig and Daryle Larson. 

William Craig, infant son of Mr, and Mrs. Donald Aaberg was baptized at the Fron church on Sunday by Rev. Paul Tolo.

Funeral services for Herman Rosby were held at the Fron church on Thursday, Rev. Paul G. Tolo officiating. Mr. Rosby is survived by his wife, Ruth; two daughters, Mrs. John LaCasse (Ramona) and Mrs. David Paulson (Rosalind); and two brothers, Raymond and Oliver. 

50 YEARS AGO

From June 6, 1974

Young Todd Erickson, 5th grade son of Mr. and Mrs. Art Erickson, wrestled his way past 6 opponents to capture first place in his weight class last Saturday at the Minnesota State AAU Wrestling championship in the Twin Cities. Todd, wrestling in the unlimited category of the midget age-class, not only won himself a berth at the Mid-West Regional later this month, but also a position at the National Junior Olympics Meet scheduled for the middle of June in San Diego, California. 

Over forty young bike riders attended the Safety Class at Lowry last Thursday evening. State Highway Patrolman Mike Senf conducted the classes in the Lowry Town Hall. The Lowry Commercial Club sponsored the safety classes and also gave away several prizes. The winners, pictured in the Times, were Neil Larson, Grant Thompson, Ken Kalina, Sharon Koubsky, Sue Lundblad, David Lundblad, Scott Swanberg, Margo Larson, Charles Halvorson, Laurie Lundblad and Vickie Halvorson. 

The Region 6 Track Meet, both held Class A and B divisions, was held at the University of Minnesota, Morris, last Saturday. In a repeat of last year, Glenwood came out on top in the “A” category, while Elbow Lake finished first in the “B” division. Starbuck had two athletes competing, and they both placed in the top 5 in their events. Gordy Hagert placed 5th in the high jump and Randy Grote finished 4th in the 120 yard high hurdles. 

40 YEARS AGO

From June 6, 1984

After 43 years of dedicated service as organist for the Minnewaska Lutheran Church, Margret Thorstad chose to retire. She played for 41 consecutive years with very few Sundays missed. The mother of three children and grandmother to six grandchildren now hopes to spend more time with her family. 

The New Horizon 4-H Club, the newest 4-H club in Pope County, took on a big project recently by cleaning up an empty lot next to Dave’s Market in Lowry and creating a beautiful park area for the community to enjoy. The project was funded by the New Horizons and the Lowry city council. The 4-H club members built park benches and bike racks for the park. 

Can summer be far behind? The lifeguard “crew” was busy at work last week getting the Starbuck public swimming beach ready for the coming season. Several days were spent cleaning the beach front and repairing and painting the docks and lifeguard stands and towers. Members included John Lindquist, Bob Hagert, Mike LaQua, Jan Doty, Gail Aaberg, Marie Opdahl and Carrie DuBois. 

30 YEARS AGO

From June 8, 1994

The Minnewaska Area High School Lakers softball team rallied to defeat the Morris Tigers 4-2 last Thursday in the Section 6A Tournament held in Pillager. The victory moved the Steve Hoffmann coached Lakers, into the Minnesota State High School Softball Tournament beginning Friday (June 10) in North Mankato to Caswell Field. Minnewaska will face Section 7A winner Barnum. 

A group of die-hard “Save the Auditorium Committee” dribbled basketballs around Lake Minnewaska to raise money for the fund. This group included members of the Mike and Joyce Shea family; Paul and Faith Anderson family; Al and Ivy Cooley family. They were joined by some support vehicles including one headed up by the Randy and Jeannie Pederson family. They started at 10 a.m. at the Central School and ended the 25.2 mile trek at about 4:10 p.m. Most of the participants admitted that they were tired and sore, but all expressed a good feeling about their accomplishments.

Alan and Becky Behm have purchased the old Lowry Lumber Company building and when renovations are completed, will open an antique business known as Memory Mercantile Antiques and Collectibles. 

20 YEARS AGO

From June 9, 2004

After a six-month search, Starbuck has a new police chief. Hal Henning of Choteu, Mont., will take over as the city’s top cop June 28. After meeting with Henning during a special meeting, the council approved offering the position to Henning with a 4-1 vote. Mayor Milo Holte voted in favor of offering the chief of police position to part-time Starbuck officer Jamie Logan. Henning accepted the city’s offer Tuesday morning. 

Henning is currently a deputy sheriff with the Teton County Sheriff’s department in Montana. He grew up in Minnesota and he and his wife wanted to move to the area to be closer to family. Along with his law enforcement experience, Henning will also bring a K-9 to the Starbuck Police Department. The Black Lab is specifically trained to sniff out narcotics and according to Henning, the dog is, “the number one dog in Montana right now.” 

The Starbuck beautification committee coordinated community clean up night Wednesday, June 2. Organizers said about 14 volunteers took part in helping clean up around the old hospital building and the city gateway landscaping near the Cenex station east of town. 

Mrs. Gloria Nichterms’s sixth graders are on to the seventh grade. The students’ graduation ceremony included individual readings about each student, a band performance and hugs and handshakes from the staff as the kids move on in their educations. The sixth grade graduates included: Kelsey Bangsund, Karley Bastin, Brooke Baukol, Samantha Bergsrud, Ana Billehus, Michael Bircher, Daniele Boutain, Hayley Butler, Jordan Duvall, Sarah Faehnrich, Andrew Goracke, Nathan Gunderson, Saundra Halverson, Whitney Haugen, Cory Holten, Colleen Horsager, Breanna Jenks, Janelle Johnson, Jordan Johnson, Logan Jorud, Kelli Kalina, Jason Karnes, Michael Larson, Brandon Manderschied, Morgan Olson, Brittany Ogdahl, Travis Rinde, Anthony Rust, Brandon Sanders, Dylan Sanvig, Heidi Schwendemann, Nolan Sutton, Robert Swartz, Joseph Terhaar, Sean Terhaar, Lindsey Thorne, Hayley Vosberg and Nana Wilder. 

10 YEARS AGO

From June 11, 2014

Rainy weather stayed away for Thursday Night on the Town and Starbuck Farmers Market as the events started up for the season on June 5 at the Starbuck Depot. Glacial Hills Elementary hosted the meal by serving hot dogs, beans, chips and ice cream. During the evening GHE students sang for those in attendance. The Farmers Market kicked off a successful first night by selling some of the many good available such as different canned goods, rhubarb, farm fresh eggs, jams and jellies and other goodies. 

The City of Cyrus held their 10th annual Cyrus Days this past weekend. The parade took place on Saturday afternoon with the Cyrus Fire Department as the Grand Marshals. Starbuck Miss Minnewaska Queen Morgan Lange and Miss Minnewaska Princesses Katelyn Elwood and Shaeley Flaherty were also a part of the parade. 

Winners of the Brang Foundation Writing Award were, for fourth grade: Dominic Maijala (first place) and Cheyenne Taylor (second place). Fifth grade winners were Avery Jorgenson (first place) and Marrisa Bartz (second place). Sixth grade winners were Josiah Wright (first place) and Amber Johnshoy (second place). First place essay winners received $50 through the Gladys Ness Brang Foundation. Each student wrote an essay about someone who has impacted their life.