Looking Back
News from Bertha and Hewitt's Pasts
25 Years Ago
January 19, 2000
West Central Bank with offices in Barrett, Elbow Lake, Graceville and Wheaton will be merging with its sister bank, the First National Bank of Bertha-Verndale, following regulatory approval.
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At the Bertha City Council meeting, Mayor Don Booen told council members that four applicants were interviewed on December 22 for the chief of police position. Interviewing the candidates were Mayor Booen, Council Member Ken Ashbaugh, City Clerk Janet Umland, Sheriff David Kircher, Bertha-Hewitt School Principal Bob Sieling and Superintendent Larry Werder. They decided to consider Kevin Diedrich of Brainerd.
50 Years Ago
January 19, 1950
Adolph Herseth, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Herseth of Bertha, is winning acclaim as an outstanding trumpeter with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Word of the high regard with which he is held in the Windy City fame this week came via a clipping from one of the Chicago daily newspapers. This trumpet player received a great ovation as the artist on the programs and the conductor spoke well of his ability. He is still a member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
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Broad changes to the Federal Wages and Hour Law are bringing many questions. The changes go into effect January 25 and include the new minimum wage of 75 cents per hour and also establishment of broader child labor coverage.