100 years ago, January 18, 1923

• Let There Be Water and Sewer

Various interpretations of the proposed water and sewer propositions are being heard in the village. Some statements are made, no doubt to influence people to vote against the project, and some are made on account of a lack of knowledge. With the purpose of making the proposition clear, the editor wishes to make a few brief statements.

The council proposes to call an election in the near future for the purpose of voting for an $18,000 bond issue. This money is to be used to erect a tower and tank, make the necessary wells, pump house, pumping equipment, and all expenses in connection with the water supply system. There will be no bond issue for the water mains or the sewers. The expense of these is assessed up to the lots past which they are laid.

The citizens must petition the council for water and sewers if they want them, so it is up to the people how much or how little of the water and sewer system they want to install. It may be that they will be put in on Broadway only and then added to year by year as the property owners petition for them. When water and sewers are put in, the property owners themselves pay the cost, and it is not assessed up to the village. For instance, if water mains are laid the entire length of Broadway, the property owners on either side of Broadway must pay for it, and the people living on other streets will pay nothing. The only thing the entire village must pay for is the $18,000 bond issue. If property owners do not wish to pay cash, they can take twenty years in which to pay for water and ten years time in which to pay for the sewers.

Property owners must petition the council if they want water or sewer. If the majority do not want them, they do not have to petition for them. If the bond issue does not carry, there will be no water or sewers. If the bond issue does carry, the council will immediately call for bids to erect a 100,000-gallon tank and tower, pumping outfit, etc.

75 years ago, January 15, 1948

• Another Letter from Germany Received

Dear Henry Klovstad, 

I am sorry when I write not rightly English, but I have had no English teaching, therefore I try to write as good as I can.

I am much obliged to you for your help. I have got your jacket from the auxiliary work of protestant church. I found your address in the sleeve of jacket and I thought that I would write you and thank you so many times.

I study theology here in Heidelberg in the third academic term. I am from Berlin. My parents, brothers and sisters are in Berlin now still. I was in Berlin till Sept. 1947. I have studied two academic terms there because we were burned off in the last year of the war, it is at home very poor now. It is difficult to live in a large city as Berlin. Here in Heidelberg it is though not better but my mother has so to be concerned about me. It is in Germany very difficult all now. The need is so great.

Because we burned off, I have had all my things lost, so was I very glad over your assistance. We had rescue nothing. My brother and I was in the military. My one sister was in the work service and the other in school. So we be glad of all what we obtain. It give in Germany nothing, not only not any clothes but also no foodstuffs, so we are living by help from other lands of the world.

I write this letter in English because I know not if you can read German or not, but I should like you thank. My English is though very bad but I hope that can read it.

I should have very pleasure when you write me.

With kindest regards, Yours thankfully, Hans Dieter

50 years ago, January 18, 1973

• Jaycees Ready for Fishing Derby Sunday

Pelican Rapids Jaycees are all set for their annual fishing derby at the north end of Lake Lida. The sponsors are offering prizes with a total cash value of over $1,600 this year, including a snowmobile, a snow thrower, an ice auger, a Polaroid camera, a sports kit, and a cooler. Fishermen entering the first game fish weighing a pound or over will receive a Norbest Turkey in addition to a chance at the other prizes.

The Jaycees will provide free coffee and free minnows and will offer lunches and fishing licenses for sale. Fishing holes will be drilled.

Earlier, there was some concern that heavy snow would prevent the formation of sufficient ice for the derby, and later there were reports of some flooding of the ice. The bay where the derby is held, however, escaped the flooding, and there is now about 20 inches of ice.

The Jaycees report that proceeds from this year’s derby will be used for the purchase of playground equipment for village parks.

25 years ago, January 21, 1998

• Roger Gilbert’s 6 lb, 13 oz Walleye wins Fishing Contest

Roger Gilbert’s big walleye won the grand prize in the National Championship Ice Fishing Derby sponsored by Pelican Rapids Jaycees on Lake Lida.

Gilbert, from Fergus Falls, entered a 6 pound, 13 ounce walleye for the largest game fish. He won the national trophy and also received a portable fish house for the biggest walleye.

The second-largest walleye weighed 1 lb. 13 oz. and was caught by Dave Riddering.

Nathan Stokka, Pelican Rapids, caught the largest northern, which weighed 5 lb. 8 oz. Stokka also won a portable fish house.

Turning in the largest bass, 1 lb. 4 oz., was Red Nordstrom, while Kevin Zitzow won the sunfish category with his 1¼ pound fish. Those winners took home sunflower heaters.