From the Mascot Files

100, 75, 50 and 25 Years Ago

100 Years Ago
(Dec. 1, 1922)

Band to put on concert at Opera Hall
The Minneota community band, with the help of several pupils from the school, have scheduled a concert at the Opera Hall for Thursday evening of this week.

Larson returns home following farm accident
Louis Larson of this community returned home on Tuesday after spending several days in Marshall undergoing medical care. Larson had the misfortune of having his right hand caught in a corn shredder some time ago and lost four fingers as a result of the accident.

75 Years Ago
(Dec. 5, 1947)

Largest number of voters go to polls
In the largest village election in the history of Minneota - 440 people going to the polls - E.O. Hallgrimson was elected president of the village council and Jonas Askdal was named trustee. Mr. Hallgrimson won the mayoral contest, defeating forces which sought to elect Dr. E.J. Kerr to that office. A total of 231 voters cast their ballot for Hallgrimson, while Dr. Kerr received 202 write-in and sticker votes. The only official contest on the ballot was between Askdal and Carl Christianson. Askdal received 321 votes and Christianson received 94. Julius Locy was re-elected Justice of the Peace and John Bernardy was re-elected Constable.

Village worker's wages increased at meeting
Wages of village employees were raised at a meeting of the council held on Monday. The salary of John Bernardy, police officer, was raised from $185 to $200 per month. The salary of Camiel Buyck, village employee, was raised from $110 to $135 per month. Wage hikes go into effect this month. The council also voted to enter into contract with Stanley Josephson, manager of the liquor store, the first of the year. He is to be paid $200 per month, a $25 per month increase.

Ross elected mayor of Taunton in close vote
Marcel Ross was elected mayor of Taunton in a close vote over Horace Hay, Ross received 59 votes to 50 for Hay. Also, Otto Christensen was re-elected to the office of councilman, receiving 61 votes to 43 for LeRoy Grengs. James Bohm, running unopposed, was re-elected to the position of Justice of the Peace.

Tie vote in Ghent mayoral contest
C.M. Janis and Harold Lerschen each received 52 votes for mayor of Ghent in Tuesday's election. It is expected that a canvassing board will go over the ballots, and if the two men are still tied after re-checking the votes, will draw lots to determine which will become mayor. Alphonse Bot was elected trustee, defeating John Bankers by a vote of 55 to 46.

50 Years Ago
(Nov. 30, 1972)

Fire destroys dairy barn outside of Porter
A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a two-story dairy barn on the Alden O. Esping farm about three miles southeast of Porter Monday evening. The barn measured 36 by 72 feet and contained 30 stanchions and a box stall. The upper story was completely filled with hay at the time of the fire. No stock was in the barn though Esping milks 12 cows at the present time. Fire departments from Porter, Taunton, Minneota and Canby were called in to fight the fire and to prevent flames from the burning structure from igniting any nearby buildings.

Danny's Bar to hold grand opening
Danny's Bar of Taunton, which some weeks ago came under the ownership of W.T. (Danny) Belligmeier, is holding a grand opening this Thursday evening. Happy hour will be held from 7:30 to 9 p.m., a free snack bar will be open at 9 p.m., and a door prize will be given away.

Minneota grapplers take Jasper match
Minneota wrestlers fared well in their first meet of the season, defeating Jasper 46-17 in Jasper. Six Minneota lads won their matches by pins: Bert Mikkelson, Tom Traen, Rich Callens, Tom Stoks, Johnny Wignes and Larry Haugen.

Yule drawings here coming up soon
The Minneota Businessmen's Association announces this week that it will hold turkey drawings as it has in past years before the Christmas holidays. Two drawings are to be held, about 80 birds to be given away each time. It is understood that rules of the drawings will be like those of past years.

25 Years Ago
(Dec. 3, 1997)

Hockey, figure skating volunteers recognized
The Minneota City Council presented Certificates of Appreciation and pins to the volunteers who had worked at the hockey and figure skating rinks at last Monday's meeting by acting mayor Dave Meiners. Volunteers that were recognized were: Kevin Minnehan, Dale Swedzinski, Dennis Wambeke, Mike Ahmann, Denise Ahmann, Craig Ahmann, Abby Ahmann, Patrick Konold, Chris Konold, Jon Konold, Rick Konold, Ted Schmitz, Arden Hammerstrom, Velera Blair, Joe Johnson, Ryan Yost, Cyriel Vlaminck, Scott Holien, Roger VanMoorlehem, John VanMoorlehem, Rolland Dorenkamper, and Bryan Anderson.

Senior Center plans December activities
The Minneota Senior Center has some great plans for the month of December. On Dec. 5, the patrons of the Senior Center will hold a craft and bake sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is a fundraiser for the Senior Center and they could use your support. You will be able to pick up all types of homemade goodies, as well as attractive hand-embroidered and appliqued dishtowels. The annual Christmas dinner is set for Dec. 11 and is open to the public. Entertainment will be provided by the Statlers and Pastor Tim Wittwer.

Ghent friends plan VanKeulen fundraiser
The Ghent community has come together to assist a family with their medical needs. Megan VanKeulen, the five-year-old daughter of Tim and Paula VanKeulen of Ghent, was injured by a vehicle while riding her bicycle earlier this fall. She has since been receiving treatment in Sioux Falls. Friends of the family are now holding a benefit and fundraiser as a way to give support for the time and money that has been expended by the family members. The public is invited to attend the Pork Roast Supper on Sunday, Dec. 7 at Ted's Ballroom in Ghent. There will also be a bake sale and raffle.

Damage done to school over holiday
The Minneota Public School had many windows broken after someone shot at them over the Thanksgiving holiday. Windows in the boiler room had holes in them, as well as two windows in the second-floor science room, a window in the special education room, and a window in the teacher's lounge. The bullets passed through two panes of glass and were imbedded on opposite walls. Window replacement costs were over $500.

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The Minneota Mascot
Address: 201 N. Jefferson
Minneota, MN 56264

Phone:(507) 872-6492