5 years ago

Frazee-Vergas Forum

July 16, 2019

The night sky was calm over Nebraska on June 28, but the peaceful feeling quickly changed when Eugene Puttbrese ran out of gas in his 1977 Cessna 150. The 67-year-old rural Frazee resident was about 300 yard from the Millard Airport, where he planned to land when his engine stalled. Flying about 100 feet from the ground, Puttbrese saw an empty street. “It was 4 a.m. and the street was well lit so I could see there wasn’t any traffic,” he said. “I wasn’t lined up perfectly, but tried to get there. I ended up taking out a wood fence and a shed before stopping and the street.”

Brady Gibb of Vergas died in an aircraft crash at the Hawley Airport Thursday, July 11. The 69-year-old man was found deceased when authorities arrived on scene. Reports have stated that records from the Federal Aviation Administration show Gibb’s aircraft was a 2018 AR-1 model Rotorcraft, which was listed as an experimental, amateur build. First responders arrived at the airport at about 12:30 p.m. after reports came in that a plane had crashed.

25 years ago

Frazee Forum

July 15, 1999

Street construction will not begin until after Turkey Days. Those were the words of Dennis Delzer of Delzer Construction of Fergus Falls, who has the bid for the project to replace water and sewer mains, repair streets and more. The project specifications had called for no Main Avenue construction until Aug. 2, but in light of the festivities and time lines needed to complete the project, Delzer decided to hold off on all street work until after Frazee’s biggest annual event.

Frazee’s newest business—Quantum Manufacturing—is expected to be introduced by the end of July and hopes to be shipping product in August. That’s the word from Eric and Bonita Anderson, owners of Quantum Manufacturing.

Amber Estenson said she was surprised to be named first runner up in the Miss Northwest competition in Detroit Lakes on July 8. The coronation was the kick-off event for the Detroit Lakes Water Carnival. Kristen Husby of Detroit Lakes won the Miss Northwest title. Estenson, daughter of Gary and Jay Estenson, won a $500 scholarship along with her runner-up position. She also took first place in the talent segment of the competition, for her vocal rendition of the Spanish classical song, “Sernate Ginata.” “I had a great time getting to know everybody and I definitely will do it again,” she said.

50 years ago

Frazee Forum

July 18, 1974

A heavy rainstorm preceded by 50 mph. winds hit the Frazee area late Saturday afternoon. The winds felled many trees in the city of Frazee, including one which came down on top of Dick Shipman’s car on E. Oak Avenue. Rainfall following the windstorm brought from 1” to 2” of much needed moisture, and also brief relief from 90 degree heat we have been experiencing for three weeks.

Julie Courneya, 18, of Frazee was crowned 1974 Miss Northwest Thursday evening at the Detroit Lakes Water Carnival pageant. Julie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gerald (Jerry) Courneya of Frazee is a 1973 graduate of Frazee High School. Last August she was named Miss Frazee during Frazee’s Turkey Days celebration. She was selected by judges from a field of 11 area candidates. As the new Miss Northwest Julie receives a $250 scholarship from the Detroit Lakes Jaycees and the right to enter the Miss Minnesota contest next June.