5 years ago

Frazee-Vergas Forum

March 23, 2021

On Feb. 4, 1981 Sherri Hanson returned from the post office after retrieving the mail for the Vergas State Bank. She opened the door for two men, at least she thought they were men. It was hard to tell, as they were wearing ski masks and gear fit for snowmobilers. They also had a shot gun and a rifle. Hanson, who was 21 at the time, had been working at the bank for about a year. It was not uncommon for people to bring guns into the bank, as many used firearms as collateral. And because it was February, ski masks were not out of place. Once inside the bank, the intent of the men became apparent. A shotgun was pointed at Hanson’s stomach. Before her brain registered what was happening, she recalled moments in time captured like frames on celluloid film in her mind—the robber’s wild eyes, the tellers were absent from their posts, the fast acting patrons making a quick exit, the gun at her stomach. Kathy Glawe, who was 25 at the time and had about six months of experience at the bank, was the only teller near her post. The others saw the robbers enter and hid in a corner, but Glawe was working with her back to the door. The robbers left with about $2,000 of cash. The men bolted out of the bank, and a cashier locked the door behind them. Hanson noted that quick decision likely prevented a hostage situation because the robbers quickly realized their stolen getaway vehicle was gone. The two 19-year-old robbers, James Nester and Allen Kvistero, had stolen a pickup earlier that morning that belonged to Robert Schmid. While at work, Schmid looked out the window and saw his truck running in front of the bank.

35 years ago

Frazee Forum

March 28, 1991

St. Paul’s Lutheran Congregation of Evergreen continues to have volunteers do much woodwork, placing trim, floor moulding, and cleaning floors. Kitchen cabinets are being put into place, and other work done on the inside to try and finish before Dedication Day, which has been set for April 28 at 2 p.m. Members think that the bigger phases of construction such as placing floor covering, kitchen and washroom facilities will be mostly completed by Dedication time. A bell tower will be built a short distance from the church, housing the old bell, which will be rung by mechanical means.

A new business opened its doors at Frazee last week. Jerome Montplaisir has started J. & J. Repair, located two miles south of Frazee on the Eagle Lake Road (at the former Dan’s Kar Klean location). Jerome Montplaisir is a native of Horace, North Dakota. J. & J. Repair all types of repair on farm machinery, trucks and lawn mowers. The business also features custom fabrication and repair, wire helipad and stick welding.

50 years ago

Frazee Forum

March 25, 1976

The Rotary Club of Detroit Lakes has accepted the invitation of the Rotary Club of Winnipeg, Can. to participate in the 19th Model United Nations Assembly on Friday and Saturday, April 9 and 10. The Lakes Rotarians have selected two Frazee High School students to attend the MUNA and will pay for their transportation and registration fee. Mr. and Mrs. Jim Evans of Detroit lakes will serve as local counselors for the students. Attending the Model United Nations Assembly at Winnipeg will be Donna Boardman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Boardman of Frazee, and Vaun Bruhn, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Bruhn of Vergas. Both are 17-years-old and juniors at Frazee High School.

The Frazee Lions Club recently presented the Frazee Fire Department a pair of walkie-talkie communication sets. Paul Jacobs representing the Lions, presented the gift to Leonard Schmidt, Assistant Fire Chief.