Thief River Falls, Pennington County (trfnews.i234.me) — A “Years Ago” column tracks local life.
The notes span 1926 through 2016. They show work, weather, and community milestones.
1926.
Paul Engelstad was reelected in a Guernsey breeders group. Learn about Guernsey cattle.
Marius Waldal of Plummer joined founders of a grain marketing firm in Minneapolis. Read about grain marketing.
Thief River Falls also gained a sales agency for Jewett and Paige cars.
1936.
Citizens State Bank depositors voted to offer $25,000 for the bank building.
The area faced a fifth week of bitter cold. Some days fell below 30 under zero.
City leaders also debated arena work and wage demands from bricklayers.
1946.
James Copp of the Steiner 4-H club won a district radio speaking contest.
Farm families from Numedal and Goodridge were honored at winter shows in Crookston.
The city council approved an electric fire siren trial for Fire Chief Roy Langevin.
1956.
Paul Stelmaschuk of Flasher, North Dakota, was named Pennington County agent.
Bill LaFave became president of Jobs Inc., replacing Mayor O.D. Beich.
The council backed a long natural gas contract, pending federal review. Learn more at FERC.
1966.
Court action pushed school consolidation talks forward in Marshall County.
Ronald Baker, 35, of Ada won a top young farmer award from the Jaycees.
Lt. Gov. A.M. Keith spoke at a Goodridge school dedication.
1976.
Bob Wald was selected as King Agassiz for Pennington County.
Leaders chose a site near St. Hilaire for a sugar beet refinery. Learn about sugar beets.
Oakland Park Nursing Home crowned Anton Jensen and Anna Homme for Valentine’s Day.
1986.
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Brubakken were named king and queen of hearts at the Skylite Apartments.
Verner and Mildred Arveson of Oklee were named Valley Farmer and Homemaker of the Year.
Minnesota, North Dakota, and Manitoba officials backed a pact against a nuclear waste site.
1996.
Retired teacher Estelle Grinde recalled the harsh winter of 1936.
Goodridge students Kyle Arveson and Tiara Kotrba were crowned at Snofest.
Thief River Falls schools backed annual testing tied to state graduation standards.
2006.
Kayse Lee donated 130 teddy bears for young hospital patients.
Bryan Dyrdahl of Bagley won the I-500 race in 7:32:47. See snowmobile racing basics.
The City of Thief River Falls received a $22,500 planning grant from the Northwest Minnesota Foundation.
2016.
Thief River Falls Day at the Capitol was set for March 30.
Noon Lioness President Edie Brandli gave a donation to Amy Beckius-Johnson at the food shelf.
Goodridge spelling bee winners included Trinity Walseth, Shantel Horachek, and Maloni Henrickson.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.