5 Years Ago

Frazee-Vergas Forum

April 20, 2017

Kathy was homeless, living on the streets of a nearby reservation. One day a teacher took notice of the dog all of the kids seemed to give attention and treats to. She asked her students whose dog it was, and they said everyone’s. Her friendly nature was immediately noticeable, as was a missing ear that may have been lost in a fight or to the harsh winter. Law enforcement was called and Kathy was picked up and brought to the 4 Luv of Dog Rescue in Moorhead.

The Frazee-Vergas School District will financially support a school startup for level four special education students in exchange for dibs on enrollment. The school board agreed chipping in $3,600 for a building lease so Lakes Country Service Cooperative can open three specialized schools. The locations would include Moorhead, Fergus Falls and Alexandria. Then, in three or so years facilities in Detroit Lakes and Morris would be added.

The Vergas City Council had more than 40 people attend its monthly meeting Tuesday, April 11, and the topic on everyones’ mind was the gravel pit. After area residents spoke their opinion on the pit and proposed a portable hot mix plant, the council agreed to postpone making a decision until a special meeting Wednesday, April 19. This past winter the city enacted a gravel pit and mining ordinance requiring any such business to obtain necessary permits to operate in city limits. The only operating pit in city limits is along Otter Tail County 35 and owned by Mark Sand & Gravel. Several residents asked the council to decline the interim use permit application. Concerns about noise, dust control, impacts to tourism and quality of life were expressed.

25 Years Ago

Frazee Forum

April 17, 1997

It was the chance of a lifetime, and Bruce Jacobs took it. Jacobs recently returned from his work as an extra in the upcoming Kevin Costner film The Postman. The movie is set in a futuristic post-World War III era. The filming Jacobs was involved in was done near Green Valley, Ariz., at Twin Buttes Mine. The opportunity came about through Jacobs’ friend Gary Vennis, who works with a Civil War reenactment group. Vennis has previously worked as an extra in Costner films including Dances with Wolves and Crazy Horse. Jacobs was part of a group of riders who act as the Holnist Cavalry in the film, and the mine served as a setting for the Holnist Training Camp.

Those wishing to grab a piece of history or just wanting some nice antique school pieces will have an opportunity June 6. The Frazee-Vergas School District will hold an auction June 6 to sell items in the 1908 building, which is scheduled for demolition Monday, June 16. During Monday’s school board meeting, local auctioneer Vince Bachmann discussed the auction with the board. Upon approval of the Building Subcommittee Tuesday morning, it was decided to go ahead with the plan.

Sign of Spring—The arrival of baby chicks and other farm animals is a sure sign that spring is here. Soon, these little chicks will be full-fledged chicken scratching food in the yard.

50 Years Ago

Frazee Forum

April 20, 1972

National honors for outstanding safe driver performance were won by Daggett truck Line in the 41st National Fleet Safety Contest conducted by the National Safety Council. Daggett’s fleet of 60 trucks and 65 drivers were awarded Third Place in their division, the Company – All Operations Group. There were 33 other trucking companies entered in this same division as Daggetts. The award is based on the company’s safety performance from January 1971 through December 1971.

Average family income was $6,848 in Becker County, Minn., in 1969, compared with $9,931 for the State, according to a report on the 1970 census by the Bureau of the Census, U.S. Department of Commerce. Per capita income for the county amounted to $2,111 the report shows.

Robert Matthews, mayor of Frazee, and Duane Hass, president of the Frazee Community Club are pictured here looking thru copies of the new Frazee Community Fact Survey, just off the press. The 30-page book was sponsored by the Frazee Community Club, Inc., in cooperation with the Otter Tail Power Co. The brochure was compiled to provide information of interest to anyone considering Frazee as a location for business, industry, or just plain living. Copies are being made available to all local governmental units and civic organizations and may be picked up at the Frazee Forum office.