Thief River Falls, Pennington County (trfnews.i234.me) — A quick look back shows how life changed here.
These archive notes span 1926 to 2016. They capture school pride, farm worries, and civic work. They also show how travel and arts grew across the region.
1926: Co-op leadership and farm health
F.T. Satre was elected president of the local co-operative creamery. He succeeded S.E. Hunt. Mr. and Mrs. Nels Rhodegaard of Norden marked their 50th anniversary.
Farmers also circulated petitions. They wanted the county board to set up bovine tuberculosis testing. Public health guidance on bovine TB is available from the CDC and USDA APHIS.
1976: Sno-Fest crowns and United Way pledges
Lincoln High School freshmen Jim Shirley and Julie Odegaard were crowned Sno-Fest king and queen. The Thief River Falls United Way drive reported $50,025 in pledges. Art Heinze was the executive director.
Goodridge High School named Richard Thompson as Teacher of the Year. Eighth graders Brad Johnson and Lori Jo Bakken were also crowned at Goodridge Sno-Fest.
1986: Air service questions and new college outreach
Dave Onkka and Michelle Puetz led Lincoln High School Sno-Fest royalty that year. Mesaba Airlines said it had no plans to drop service to the regional airport. Learn more about Mesaba Airlines and the federal Essential Air Service program.
Melody Hamlin of Bemidji was named director of a new program. It served Native American people in the Clearwater Community College region.
1996: County board roles and winter racing
The Pennington County Board organized for the year. Arden Comstock became chairman. Donald Jensen was vice-chairman. Other commissioners included Bob Carlson, Oliver “Skip” Swanson, and Charles Naplin.
Jeremy Fyle of Burnsville won the Ironman 250 snowmobile race in Thief River Falls. Dan Johnson won the Semi 600 division. Paul Odette presented a $600 check for a local D.A.R.E. effort. More on D.A.R.E. is available from Minnesota D.A.R.E..
2006: Racing wins and fewer fire calls
Jesse West of Strandquist posted several first-place finishes in an X-Sno SnoCross weekend. The Thief River Falls Fire Department reported fewer calls in 2005.
Mixed Blood Theatre from Minneapolis planned to bring “Dr. King’s Dream” to Northland Community & Technical College.
2016: City council vacancy and visiting artists
The Thief River Falls City Council sought candidates for an at-large seat. Ken Schmalz had died on Jan. 22. Lincoln High School Sno-Fest royalty included juniors Allison Okeson and Caleb Richardson.
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council announced a school residency. Quebec music group Le Vent du Nord was set to visit in mid-February.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.