Yesteryear
100 Years Ago
(April 13, 1923)
Lightning was cause of fire that destroyed DeSmet barn
During the unusual storm last Friday night in which severe electric disturbances were combined with a snow storm, the barn on the Cyril DeSmet farm 2½ miles south of Minneota was struck by lightning and totally destroyed. When efforts were made to rescue animals in the burning building, it had already begun to collapse. The barn and all of its contents, including 11 milk cows, three heifers and four hogs, were destroyed. A few hogs were the only thing saved.
Physics students gets first-hand views on film, telegraph, phone
The Physics class of Minneota High School made an extensive observation trip Wednesday morning. The students' itinerary included the Rex Theatre, where they witnessed the moving picture machine; the depot, where the telegraph instruments proved the center of interest; and the telephone exchange, at which a better understanding of switchboard operation was gained.
75 Years Ago
(April 9, 1948)
Kopitski purchases K & K Farm Store in Taunton
In a transaction completed last Saturday, Tony Kopitski, who has been farming 10 miles west of Minneota, bought the K & K Store in Taunton from the Kwiatkoski brothers, Joseph and Anton. Kopitski, who bought the building as well as the stock and business, also purchased the Joseph Kopitski residence in that village. The Kwiatkoski brothers have operated the store in Taunton for the past 16 years. Kopitski recently sold his farm, implements and stock at auction.
Taunton Elevator damaged by fire on Thursday morning
Fire of an undetermined origin damaged the Farmers Cooperative Elevator at Taunton Thursday morning when a blaze broke out in the uppermost peak of the building. Although it has not been officially estimated, it is reported that the damage to the elevator may run as high as $300. The blaze was discovered shortly before a call was put in for the Minneota Fire Department at 7 a.m. and had it not been for the prompt action of the local fire fighters and those from Taunton, the building might have been a total loss.
Haas takes over bakery in Marshall with brother
P.J. Haas of Minneota and his brother, William, of Sleepy Eye, purchased bakery equipment of a closed shop in Marshall last week and have rented a building there with the intention of going into business in the near future. The equipment formerly belonged to Sunrise Bakery and the building the Haas brothers rented formerly housed the bakery. The shop will be located next to the Coast-to-Coast Store on main street in Marshall. Haas will continue to live in Minneota, turning over operation of the store here to John O'Neal, who has been employed as a baker for several years.
Franks, Knutson purchase Flannery Cleaners business
Flannery Cleaners in Minneota has been sold to Larry Franks of this village and Darwin Knutson of Balaton. The new owners are both experienced in the dry-cleaning business and both were employed by the Marshall Dry Cleaner firm at the time they bought the plant here.
50 Years Ago
(April 12, 1973)
Vlaminck farmhouse destroyed by fire of undetermined cause
A fire of undetermined cause completely destroyed the eight-room farm home of Andrew Vlaminck and family Saturday afternoon eight miles southwest of Minneota. The blaze was fought by both Taunton and Minneota fire departments, who were hampered by unavailability of water. About all that remained of the house were the lower walls. Mr. and Mrs. Vlaminck were not at home at the time of the fire, but their children turned in the alarm and aided the firemen in saving a bit of the furniture.
Southwest Sportsmen club formed here; officers named
Sportsmen of the community, meeting here on Tuesday evening, formed a club and named officers. The name of the club will be Southwest Sportsmen. Rick Merritt was elected president, Mike Moorse is the vice president, and Adrian Anderson, the secretary-treasurer. Selected as Yellow Medicine Watershed District representatives were Paul Swedzinski and Steve Nelson.
Local dairy judging team takes first at district contest
The Minneota FFA dairy judging team, consisting of Bryce Kosmalski, Jeff Hennen, Mike Hennen, and Vince Laleman, won first place in the district dairy judging contest held at South Dakota State University in Brookings on Saturday. Kosmalski ranked second in the individual classification. Laleman ranked 10th.
State society honors Hovland for her horticultural services
Miss Carrie Hovland, who owns and operates a nursery north of Minneota, has been selected by the 1972 Minnesota State Horticultural Awards Committee to receive the society's award of merit for her special services to horticulture. Hovland is a member of the Minneota Garden Club.
25 Years Ago
(April 15, 1998)
MPCA recognizes Minneota wastewater treatment operators
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency recently recognized outstanding performance by operators of wastewater treatment plants around the state during 1997. This year, Minneota was among 187 facilities awarded certificates for meeting the agency's criteria for excellence in operators at the MPCA's 61st annual Wastewater Operations seminar March 18-20 in Bloomington.
GMT Women to sponsor Spring Festival at school
The Ghent, Minneota and Taunton Women of Today will be holding a Spring Festival on Saturday, April 25, at the Minneota High School. This event will include a fashion show for men, women and children; a pie and ice cream social; and music provided by the "Disciples of Dixie".
Geiwitz donates genealogy books to Minneota Library
John Howard Geiwitz and his wife, Freida, have donated a large number of books to the Minneota Public Library that help people trace their genealogy. Mr. and Mrs. Geiwitz hope that other people will be able to make use of them. The books range from "how to" trace ancestors, to books that specialize, such as those dealing with the European, Scottish, British, Civil War, Revolutionary War, and American Indian cultures.