From the Mascot Files: 100, 75, 50, and 25 years ago
100 Years Ago-December 19, 1919
Mrs. Elizabeth Nickolson
Mrs. Elizabeth Nickolson, principal of the local high school, who has been suffering from what seems to be a nervous breakdown for several weeks, has concluded to give up any attempt at further teaching for the present school year.
Basketball Game
This Friday evening there will take place at the opera house in Minneota, a basketball game between the local high school team and the high school team from Tyler. This will be the second of the contest series for our home team. That reminds us: John Finnegan was conductor on a stock train on the M. & St. L. (Minneota and St. Leo) he had pretty hard luck, every now and then his train would run off the track. It was at this time that the famous telegram was sent that has served as a standing joke until it has become a stale one, we refer to John’s telegraphic report of one of his numerous accidents: “Off again, on again, gone again, Finnegan.”
75 Years Ago-December 8, 1944
Tie Vote
For the first time in the history of Minneota, there were ties for two offices after ballots were counted in the village election on Tuesday, when Minneotans cast 106 votes. Thirty-eight write-votes were cast for E.F. McMillin and Elmer Swanson for the office of trustee for a term of three years. There was also a tie for the Constable office where two were elected. Walter Johnson received 19 votes for constable and Ole Werpy, Al Kiley and Paul Falk were tied with two votes. A coin was flipped to decide the winners in the tie voting. Elmer Swanson and O.H. Werpy were winners.
50 Years Ago-December 11, 1969
Married 50 Years
Mr. and Mrs. Otto Rye of Minneota, who were married here December 6, 1919, were honored at an open house reception staged by their five children and held in parlors of Hope Lutheran church Sunday afternoon.
Outstanding Trainee
The commander of the U.S. Army Training Center at Fort Bragg, N.C. congratulated Pvt. Anthony Anderson for being named outstanding trainee of his unit. Pvt. Anderson is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Hilmer E. Anderson of Minneota.
For Christmas Program
Julie Buysse, Laura Dero, James Tillemans, Patricia Traen and Kevin Hoffmann, sixth graders at St. Edward’s school, practiced for their skit, “Shepherd’s Watch”, which will be part of the Christmas program.
They won Their Matches
These five members of the Minneota high school wrestling team, by winning their matches, were instrumental in the Viking squad bringing home the trophy from the invitational match which was held at Bird Island. The athletes are Frank Callens, Jeff Yeo, Curtis Eischens, Terry Kronabetter and Robert DePestel.
25 Years Ago-December 7, 1994
Outstanding Young Adults
Scholarships were awarded by GMT (Ghent-Minneota-Taunton) Women of Today to Jessica Joy Nuytten, daughter of Richard and Linda Nuytten of Minneota, and Rhonda R. Verschelde, daughter of James and Sandy Verschelde of Minneota. The awards are given to seniors who have excelled in their commitment to family, church, school and community.
Varsity Champions
These five varsity wrestlers placed first in the Fulda/Murray County Central Tournament held Saturday in Slayton: Bruce Laleman, Matt Myrvik, Luke DePestel, Travis Gillund and Kurt Fier.
An inside Shot
Jodi Sussner found her spot near the basket - and kept putting them in - thanks to great assists from her team mates. The Vikings went on to win a record-setting game against Ortonville 101-58. Sussner had an excellent game, scoring 39 points and grabbing 20 rebounds.
Canby Theater
Interview with a Vampire with Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt and Swan Princess