110 YEARS AGO

From April 9, 1915

The plans for the new creamery were completed on Wednesday. The estimated cost of the building is $7,000.00. Bids for construction will be received by a committee until the 28th of this month.

Miss Nettie Brendal and Henry Julius Larson were married on March 25 at Cooperstown, N.D.

Prof. L.J. Jorstad of LaMoure, N.D., who has been principal of the high school there for the past three years, was elected superintendent of the local school to succeed Miss Wigforse, who has re-signed.

The Minnewaska training school for nurses was organized in March of 1913, in accordance with state regulations and following a prescribed course to qualify students for state board examinations. It offers young women possessing the necessary qualifications a two years course of instruction in surgical and medical nursing, with the third year spent in a larger hospital in Minneapolis or St. Paul. This year’s class will enter the Swedish hospital on May 1. An assistant superintendent has been secured to assist both in the training school and in general hospital work. A new class will be formed May 1 to take the place of this year’s class. Those interested in applying will please write for prospectus, application blanks and general information to Miss Ella J. Haug or Dr. C.R. Christenson, Starbuck, Minn.

100 YEARS AGO

From April 10, 1925

G.H. Berge has bought five acres of land from Peter Tollefson on the west end of his farm. He moved his chicken house in from the Farmers Store property at Barsness yesterday and set it on the new site. For the present, Mr. and Mrs. Berge will live in the Charles Olson house.

The Lowry band gave a delightful concert and program there on Wednesday evening. They were assisted by the Starbuck male quartet consisting of Noel Johnson, Harold Peterson, Leo Sylvester and Christ Westby. The Lowry band consists of 21 pieces and has been in existence for about three years. Herman Engebretson, a former Starbuck boy, is director.

School Notes, by Borghild Schefloe: Mr. Jordan of the Morris A.C. is at present trying to locate a Hereford calf for Raymond Kyvig and a Shorthorn calf for John Nordberg. These boys have joined the baby beef club.

The following pupils from Starbuck attended the Morris A.C. short course: Laura Kjorstad, Myrtle Rud, Clarence Nelson, Rudolph Lee, John Skaret, Lloyd Bingham, Carlton Brevig, Robert Merrill and Elmer Kirkwold. Mabel Carlson and Gladys Ness received free scholarships to the University of Minnesota.

A 9½-pound baby boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. B.C. Wollan on Monday afternoon.

90 YEARS AGO

From April 11, 1935

Funeral services for Johannes J. Finstad, one of the oldest pioneers of this community, were held at the Indherred Lutheran Church on Saturday, April 6, Rev. G.O. Forde officiating. He was preceded in death by his first wife, the former Gurine Giskaas, and four children, Alfred, Louise, Anna and John Jr. He is survived by his widow, and three children, Lothard, Julius and Mrs. Ole Haugen of Noonan, North Dakota. Also two brothers, Jacob and Jon of Washington and a sister Nickoline Overson in Norway.

Florence Pederson will be the Valedictorian of the Sr. class and Margret Larson the Salutatorian. Other honor students are Dorvan Skoglund, Ella Forbord, Naomi Gorder, Alice Norby, Lorrin Dahlager, Arnt Aune, Myra Amundson and Gladys Erickson.

A county declamatory contest was held at Glenwood last Saturday afternoon. In the humorous division, first place went to Harold Hagen of Dist. 90. Ethel Smedstad teacher. Second place to Betty Mae Forde, Dist. 3, Jeannette Brenden, teacher; third place, Lillian Brown, Dist. 64, Mrs. Donald Pilotte, teacher; fourth place, Elsie Syverson, Dist. 16, Verna Severson, teacher; fifth place, Irvin John Jacobson, Dist. 91, Lillian Tollefson, teacher. In the dramatic division, first place Joyce Hammer, Dist. 90, Ethel Smedstad, teacher; 2nd place Clarice Gorder. Dist. 3, Jeannette Brenden, teacher; third place Ruth Rosten, Dist. 33. Martha Rosten, teacher; fourth place, Betty McDermond. Dist. 64, E. Hazel Anderson, teacher; fifth place Virginia Gensler, Hazel Dickinson, teacher. In the oratorical division, first place. Billy Kaufman, Dist. 64, E. Hazel Anderson, teacher; second place. Arden Brenden, Dist. 42, Pearl Gandrud, teacher; third place. Earl Ormseth, Dist. 49, Claudia Femrite, teacher; fourth place, Howard Hagen, Dist. 90, Ethel Smedstad, teacher; fifth place, Ralph Jacobson, Dist. 14, Viola Iverson, teacher.

80 YEARS AGO

From April 12, 1945

Word was received from the “War Department” that Sgt. Ervin W. Gunvalson, was killed in action in northern Germany March 30, 1945. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Sverre Gunvalson of Cyrus.

A telegram was received Monday by Mr. and Mrs. E.C. Landaas that their son, Cpl. Morris E. Landaas was married to Miss Stella Ascoli. Cpl. Landaas is stationed with the 9th Army Air Corps somewhere in Belgium.

Mrs. H.K. Myking entertained six little girls on Tuesday in honor of Gail’s 6th birthday. 

The following were confirmed Sunday at St. John’s Church: Betty Jane Erickson, Donald Ronnie, Courtney Engebretson and Merle Dosdall.

Mr. and Mrs. H.K. Myking received a telegram Monday stating that a daughter had arrived at the home of Major and Mrs. Brenten Myking of San Diego, CA on April 9. In the telegram, Brenten stated, “we all three are doing fine.” 

70 YEARS AGO

From April 14, 1955

Folks in this area and throughout the Midwest have been racking their memories trying to recall another Easter weekend that was so ideal weather wise as the one just ended, and are having trouble remembering another like it. Beginning with Good Friday, when the temperature climbed to a delightful 78 degrees, and continued through Saturday, when a season’s high of 83 degrees was registered, and Sunday when a high of 81 degrees was recorded.

Mrs. Lars Sande sailed Wednesday, April 13, on the Oslofjord for Norway, where she will remain for three months. While there she will visit her married daughter at Oslo, and relatives and friends at her hometown of Haugesund. Mr. Sande and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Nodland accompanied her as far as Minneapolis on Monday.

JoAnn Marie, the infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Samuelson, was baptized on Easter Sunday at the Immanuel Lutheran church by Rev. G.O. Forde. The sponsors were Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Chlian of Lowry.

Mr. and Mrs. Norval Lesteberg announce the engagement of their daughter, LuVerne Gloria Suckow, to Richard M. Hagestuen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Hagestuen. Miss Suckow is at present employed at the Northwestern National bank in Minneapolis. Mr. Hagestuen is a senior at Augsburg College.

60 YEARS AGO

From April 15, 1965

The 43 seniors of Starbuck High School and their four chaperones, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Rundgren and Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Hermanson, left Starbuck on Sunday afternoon and arrived in Washington Monday at 6 p.m. The barrage of tornadoes which claimed an estimated 248 lives in a six state area on Palm Sunday had moved ahead of the group.

Seventeen Scouts from Troop No. 491, Starbuck, received awards at a Court of Honor on April 3. Highlight of the Court was the presentation of the Eagle Scout Award to Kayo Aslagson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Aslagson.

A large crowd attended the Golden Wedding celebration of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Pladsen on Sunday afternoon at the Barsness Lutheran Church. All their sons and daughters were present besides several grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Three Starbuck Future Farmers of America and their advisor. Gary H. Olson attended a DeKalb corn awards banquet at Pomme de Terre Country Club near Morris on April. Ronald Sundheim received a special wall plaque with a score of 97 of a possible 100. Charles Branch was second with 96 and Richard Meyer third with 92.

Starbuck High School musicians won 21 “’Superior” ratings at the Music Contest in Benson last weekend. The Band and Choir both got “Superior” ratings and the following solos and ensembles also received “Superior ratings’’: Flue trio— Dorothy Hagestuen, JoAnn Rundgren, Judy Walline, Norma Tollefson, accompanist; Clarinet quartet- Elaine Opdahl. David Larson, Ann Hanson and Wayne Olson; Saxophone Quartet-Norma Tollefson, Karen Rittgers, Beth Olson & Brenda Rittgers; Flute solo-Dorothy Hagestuen, accompanied by Norma Tollefson; Saxophone solo-Norma Tollefson accompanied by Dorothy Hagestuen; Saxophone solo— Kay Carlson, accompanied by Norma Tollefson; Tenor Sax solo-Beth Olson; Flute duet— Judy Walline and Edna Stevens; Woodwind Trio- Dorothy Hagestuen. Marti Totushek, and Elaine Opdahl; Soprano solo— Mary Boyd; Soprano solo-Judy Walline; Soprano solo-Rosemary Barsness; Alto solo-Carol Pederson; Alto solo-Joan Baukol; Tenor solo-Gary Hanson; Tenor solo-David Samuel-son; Tenor solo-Mike Smedstad; Boys Octet—David Samuelson, Mike Smedstad, Mike Forde, Paul Olson, David Rollie, Doug Sanvik, Bob Stevens and David Johnshoy; Duet-Mary Boyd and Elaine Opdahl.

50 YEARS AGO

From April 9, 1975

Starbuck Creamery Company has record sale of $3½ million in 1974.

Starbuck seniors touring Washington. 

Mrs. Ralph Chalenburg, Mrs. John Winge, Mrs. Arnold Opdahl, Mrs. Cora Aal and Mrs. Carbert of Cyrus attended the District Meeting of the Federated Women’s Club at Hector, Minnesota on Saturday.

Mr. and Mrs. Arvid Sylvester of Bloomington spent from Saturday until Sunday with his mother, Mrs. Jennie Sylvester. On Sunday they attended confirmation services at Our Redeemers Lutheran Church in Benson and were guests at Donald Pedersons.

Mr. and Mrs. Leighton Dahlquist, Robin and John of Webster spent from Friday evening until Sunday evening at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Dahlquist.

Mr. and Mrs. Emil Sundheim and Luella Sundheim were luncheon guests at the Dennis Hagen home near Sunburg on Wednesday afternoon.

Mr. and Mrs. Gil Voerding and Liz Anderson of Glenwood visited at Clarence Hanson’s on Sunday afternoon.

Mr. and Mrs. Harold Andert returned last Wednesday from an enjoyable 10 day vacation to New Orleans, LA, Texas and Mexico. They visited many places of interest and report that the temperatures ranged from 60 to 85 degrees.

Lt. and Mrs. David Bardal of Pensacola, Florida announce the birth of Michael Anthony, weighing 6 lbs., born March 15th. Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Bardal of Starbuck and Mr. and Mrs. Elijah Sands of Key West, Florida are the grandparents.

40 YEARS AGO

From April 10, 1985

Funeral services for Olaf Froland, 73, were held from Fron Lutheran Church April 3. He is survived by his children, Gloria Hamann, Jan Hanson and Harvey Froland.

Doug Toivonen of Starbuck High School was named to the WCCO “Prep Parade” All-State Basketball Team of the Year.

The Little Eight Conference All Conference team recently announced that Dean Solvie of Cyrus earned All-Conference honors for the 1984-85 season.

Rev. and Mrs. Elias Kristenson were honored during the annual meeting of the Minnewaska Lutheran Home March 3 for his 21 years of faithful services as chaplain at MLH.

Funeral services for Richard Alama, 52, were held from the Trinity Lutheran Church of Cyrus on April 5. He is survived by his wife, Ida “Maggie” of Cyrus; four sons, Ricky of Litchfield, Randy of Seattle Washington, Perry of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Clint of Cyrus; one daughter, Alison of Cyrus; one stepson, Allan Holland of Cyrus and one stepdaughter, Linda Logeais of Clearwater. 

30 YEARS AGO

From April 12, 1995

The 1995 Pope County Dairy Princess and attendants were crowned at ceremonies and a dinner held at the Cyrus Cafe last Saturday night. Renae Henderson, a senior at Minnewaska Area High School and the daughter of Ron and Anita Henderson of rural Glenwood, was crowned Princess. The other attendants are Sylvia Hedlin, first attendant; Laurie Nissen, second attendant; and Kara Barsness, third attendant.

MAHS Winter sports athletes were honored and pictured in the Times. For wrestling, boys basketball and cheerleading: Roger Logan, Charity Skogrand, Lisa Schumacher, Luke Anderson, Dan Guggisberg, Chris Boelke, Ryan Erdman, Ben Starns and James Poock. Not pictured was Sara Wilson. Also pictured are the Laker girls basketball players who were recognized: Tennille Ring, Missy Kath, Carrie Cooley and Heidi Mueller.

Pope County Dispatchers were honored during Telecommunications Week (April 9-15). Pictured in the Times are the seven full and part-time dispatchers who were recognized by the Pope County Sheriff’s Department. The full-time dispatchers work 6-12 hour shifts while the part-timers work one 8-hour shift in a two-week period. They are, (years of service indicated): Marion Carsten (17 years-full time), Rose Jacobson (6 years-full time), Greg Meyers (1 1/2 years-full time), Ron Wells (2 1/2 years-full time), Mike Williams (1 year-part time), Blaize Zimmerman (5 months-part-time) and Arlys Engler (1 year-part time).

20 YEARS AGO

From April 13, 2005 

The questions were fast and furious and the hour went quickly, but students in Gloria Nichtern’s class were able to put a face to the name they had been following on the internet. Steve Rasmussen, Melrose, a competitor in the 1,000 mile Iditarod sled dog race in Alaska came to class for an hour that went all too quickly for most of the students. Complete with sled, gear and two of his dogs, Rasmussen had students’ undivided attention for the hour which stretched a little into math.

The Pope County Board of Commissioners will soon be able to communicate on county laptop computers. The commissioners approved the purchase of five laptop computers at their regular first meeting of the month last week. The purpose of the computers will be to allow “timely and efficient communication between the commissioners and the office of coordinator and other county departments,” wrote county coordinator Riaz Aziz in his overview of the subject.

10 YEARS AGO

From April 15, 2015 

John and Judi Dahlseng were selected as Lowry Citizens of the Year on Thursday, April 9 at the Lowry Lions Club meeting. Lowry Lions President Ken Weisel presented the Dahlsengs with a plaque. John Dahlseng, who owned Lowry Manufacturing for many years, said being selected was a honor. “There are a lot of good places to live and Lowry is one of them, we are lucky to have ended up here,” Dahlseng said. The Dahlsengs moved to Lowry in the fall of 1972 and have lived there since.

Funeral services for Ernest “Ernie” Janisch, of Starbuck, were held Friday, April 10, 2015, at Fron Lutheran Church in Starbuck with the Rev. Paul Johnson officiating. Burial was in Fron Lutheran Cemetery, near Starbuck. He is survived by his son, Dan Janisch (Rebecca) of Apple Valley; daughters, Diane Janisch (Yohan) of Glenwood and Kungsoon Kim of Wheaton, Ill.; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and Mary Baukol, his caregiver and companion of 25 years.

The 2015 model of the Lakers boys’ golf team looks much like the 2014 model. The Lakers will be returning six letter winners from last season’s WCC Championship squad led by WCC Medalist and MSHSL State Golf entrant junior Brett Buckingham. Joining Buckingham are juniors Blake Joos and Peter Frischmon, sophomores Esten Stensrud and Jake Peters, and freshman Isaac Burgess. The Lakers have several younger players who could press these returning lettermen. Freshman Brandon Wacker, along with eighth-grader Tanner Steffen and seventh-grader Drew Nelson, have shown promise in early practice sessions, but they will need to show rapid improvement to dislodge any of the 2014 team.