Living History: School to pay for insulation of Memorial Auditorium

10 years ago

Excerpts from the Jan. 5, 2006 Pioneer Journal

• County engineer resigns

Wadena County Highway Engineer Russ Larson announced his resignation effective Feb. 15, saying he wasn't content working with the county board.

"I'm not happy working with these commissioners," Larson said in a phone interview after the meeting.

He said the decision had been building for the past three years and he finally decided to resign. Larson doesn't have specific plans after his resignation but said he has some options.

Larson submitted a short letter to commissioners Tuesday that said, "I hereby submit notice that i will resign from my position as the Wadena County Engineer effective Feb. 15, 2006."

Commissioners accepted the resignation without any other discussion. Commissioner Mary Harrison said Larson's resignation was a surprise. Larson has worked for Wadena County since 1996.

35 years ago

Excerpts from the Jan. 7, 1981 Pioneer Journal

• School to pay for insulation of Memorial Auditorium

Mayor Wayne Maroney and City Clerk Bruce Brown attended the school board meeting to discuss roof insulation of Memorial Auditorium.

Maroney suggested that the school should pay the entire cost of the insulation project since the school will reap the benefit in fuel savings.

The energy maxi audit indicated a payback period of 1.5 years for the roof insulation at an estimated cost of $9,794. The city has obtained a quote from Charles Johnson for this project at $6,000.

The school and city have frequently shared expenses on a 50-50 basis on auditorium improvements, but the school will pay for the full expense of the roof insulation. The city agreed to replace the flat portion of the roof that extends on the south side of the building.

This agreement was passed by the board, with Karl Eldevik opposing the motion.

65 years ago

Excerpts from the Jan. 4, 1951 Pioneer Journal

• Minnesota third in nation for life expectancy

According to Dr. Charles Dutchess, an authority on geriatrics, the science of aging, Minnesota is the nation's No. 3 state longevity.

Duchess reports that the life expectancy of minnesota's residents, based on the latest government and insurance figures, has been dramatically lengthened since 1920, with 20 years added to male expectancy and 13 years tacked onto female expectancy.

A boy born in the state today can look forward to a 69-year lifespan - three years longer than the average for the country's male population. A girl born today in Minnesota now has a life expectancy of nearly 74 years - about three years above the national average for females.

Nebraska, according to Dutchess, is the US leader in longevity, with South Dakota in second place. Iowa follows Minnesota in the ranking.