25 Years Ago - 1985

School district bonds went higher than hoped…A combination of factors will force the Staples School District to pay more interest than had been anticipated. Last week the Board of Education accepted bids for nearly $2.4 million in bonds to finance the renovation of the former vocational school into a new high school.

Thursday night the leadership of the Staples Chamber of Commerce changed hands as the chamber begins its new year. Wendel Toedter, last year’s vicepresident (president-elect), began his term as president; taking the gavel from retiring president, Tim Rice.

Students started school Tuesday, August 27. Just under 1,500 students were expected in the K-12 program this year. Classes for an additional 700 vocational school students will begin next Tuesday.

50 Years Ago - 1960

Donald J. Sanda, senior high English instructor at Staples high school, received his Master of Arts degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder at the commencement exercises held Friday, August 26. He majored in English literature and minored in English language. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1953, from Concordia College at Moorhead where he majored in economics, history and political science. From 1955 to 1957, he attended St. Cloud State College, where he majored in English literature and education.

John D. Mathews, son of Mrs. Rosamond S. Mathews of Staples, will join the social science department of the Brainerd schools for the 1960-61 school term. John is a 1960 graduate of St. Cloud State college where he received a Bachelor of Science degree. He is a 1955 graduate of Staples High School.

Three young members of Faith Lutheran Church will receive $100 scholarships this Sunday morning from that congregation’s Lutheran Education Aid Fund. Such scholarships are awarded each year to students who register for their first semester in one of the nine colleges owned and operated by the American Lutheran Church. Recipients are Bruce Carlson, David Haugen and Sandra Hillman.

REMINISCENCES. Sounds of music, children’s laughter as well as the low buzzing of conversations on Sunday afternoon drifted onto our patio from which, we could also see the action taking place at Lincoln Park. It was reminiscent of old times at Pine Grove Park. Between the boughs of an ancient oak we could

perfectly see the stage

where Wayne Renn and “crew” were singing country

music.

My attention was drawn to both the local event and the Twins’ game - not that the Renn event wasn’t entertaining - I’m just a big Twins’ fan. A couple of times from the park came the question, “Is anyone here from the city council?” to which, no response from a member ever came. All in all it was good to see the park full and in use in that family-get-together oldfashioned way. It seemed like a good use of the park.

Toward the end of the program Wayne’s mother was introduced and came forward to sing a piece with old hill country yodeling. The name of the song escapes me but memories of listening to the radio and hearing this song on the Country Jubilee in the late 40’s came flooding back. Minnie Renn started singing and it wasn’t long before the people in the park were applauding her as she sang, and I came to my feet with pleasure gurgling up from my stomach and my eyes tearing over. She nailed it! She purely stole the show. I was clapping before she finished - there on the patio with my husband smiling from ear to ear.

Then, like all good mothers everywhere, she thanked the audience for coming to her son’s show. Bless you Minnie Renn - you really made my day.

To contact Margo:

218 894-3742, stevenmargo77@msn.com,

501 2nd Street SW, Staples, MN 56479