5 years ago

Frazee-Vergas Forum

August 7, 2018

Mike Peterson was put to the task of creating the official Vergas Looney Daze logo for the second consecutive year. The 30-year-old grandson of Vergas resident Bonnie Anderson said the event committee came to him with a specific tagline in mind, “You Otter Come to Vergas Looney Daze.” The Minneapolis resident is well-versed in the annual city-wide celebration, as he’s attended as a visitor and a vendor selling air-brushed hats. “It’s a party for the family,” he said. “So, I made a few designs and the committee liked the one with the loon on the inner tub waving the viewer to join, and the otters in the background eating food and drinking.”

Every Looney Daze the smell of grilling brats and sounds of friendly greetings can be found by the Vergas United Methodist church, 200 West Main Street. The men’s group of the church serves brats and beans for a freewill offering on Friday, Aug. 10 and Saturday, Aug. 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the church parking lot. The money raised goes toward helping local charities or members of the community. Most recently the group assisted a young family.

25 years ago

Frazee Forum

August 6, 1998

Next week, Lynette Yliniemi and her husband Glenn will receive a Becker County Century Farm Award to recognize 100 years of continuous family ownership of their farm. The Yliniemis received their state award last year. It was Lynette’s great-grandparents, Victor and Hanna Johnson, who homesteaded the farm’s original 360 acres in 1897. Lynette said Becker County Fair President Roger Engstrom told her it’s rather unique to encounter a Century Farm which has been handed down from the woman’s side of the family. In fact, the farm was handed down on the woman’s side more than once.

There was plenty of activity for all ages at the Looney Days celebration in Vergas this past weekend. The turtle races drew a large crowd to Main Street at noon Saturday, along with the many street vendors.

It was definitely Casey Archer’s night. Archer was not only crowned as Miss Vergas 1998 at the Miss Vergas Pageant Friday, but she was also chosen by her fellow candidates as Miss Congeniality, named a the winner of the new Cheryl Glawe Community Service Award and designated as the winner I the contest’s interview category.

50 years ago

Frazee Forum

August 9, 1973

A 20-year reunion of the Burlington Cubs 4-H Club is being planned for Sunday, September 2, at the Frazee Lower Elementary School. A noon dinner will be served to include the 21 original members, their families and parents, according to Mrs. Betty (Trieglaff) Bigger and Mrs. Doris (Schmidt) Lenius, co-chairmen. A short afternoon program will begin at 2 p.m., followed by a reception to include all former and present members, their parents and friends of the club. Past and present extension agents will also be invited to attend.

Harold R. Pauna of Route 1, Menahga, is the new Farmers Home Administration (FHA) County Committeeman for Becker County, County Supervisor James V Johnson announced. Mr. Pauna, who farms near Menahga and is active in community affairs, replaces Philip Bergeron of Audubon, who served since 1970.