Happenings From 1970-1979
(Okabena's history was provided courtesy of the Okabena
Centennial Edition of
The Okabena Press, Jackson County History Books, Jackson County Historical
Museum and
Tri-County News.)
Business Census 1970's
| Co-op Oil |
Gentry's |
| First State Bank |
Schulz Bros. |
| Okabena Farm Supply |
Bayerkohler T. V.
|
| Behrens Farm Equipment |
Farmer's Co-op
Elevator |
| A. F. Scheppmann & Son |
Tri-State Co-op Milk
|
| Ray Ahrens Implement |
Municipal Liquor Store |
1970
- Legion and Auxiliary host Mid-Winter Conference.
- Myriam Monsalve exchange student from Chile, South America, enters school.
- Middle Des Moines Watershed District formed.
- Sub-district speech contest held at Okabena.
- Irvin Meyers purchases Parker's Cafe.
1971
- Veetrice Johnson retires from teaching.
- Erwin Freemire, pioneer dies.
- Randy Ulbricht named to all-conference basketball team.
- Lillian Gehrls given plaque for 27 years as school head cook.
- Mike Hussong all conference end in football.
1972
- Robert Gunther selected for state FFA band.
- Paul Hartman candidate for state legislature.
- Rosella Filler recognized for 20 years service to Co-op Elevator.
- Hardware store torn down.
- Edward Scheppmann dies.
- Bluehawks win football championship.
- Carol Anderson appointed postmistress.
1973
- Barb Damm receives Betty Crocker Homemaker award.
- Arnold Hussong wins European Soybean tour.
- Fire Department honors Ray Ahrens and Ebben Gentry on their retirement.
- Funeral service for Fred Benson, 87.
- Sandy Point County Park opened.
- Funeral service for Henry Atz.
- Arlo Baumgarn wins seat on village council.
- Liquor store sustains heavy fire damage.
1974
- Basketball team again wins conference.
- Okabena hosts district speech contest.
- Musicians garner 20 stars at district contest.
- New Municipal Liquor Store under construction.
- St. John's dedicates new educational wing.
- Vernon & Grace Kay head Turkey Trotters Square Dance Club.
1975
- Worst snowstorm since 1940's hits area. Livestock loss estimated $1 million
then revised to $3 million.
- Legion sponsors trip to "Freedom Train" for school students.
- Heron Lake - Okabena School Boards discuss mutual problems.
- Giant Planting Bee at Arnold Post farm.
1976
- Vote on school referendum.
- Earle Nelson honored in absentia for 34 years service by School
Administrator's Conference.
- Mrs. Lois Post 2nd District Am. Legion Auxiliary president.
- Plum Creek Library System started.
- Over 1,000 people attend Pork cookout.
1977
- School doors closed on weekend and thermostat turned down due to oil
shortage. Weekend events
canceled until further notice.
- Okabena wins district Basketball crown but lose to Welcome in finals of
Regional Play.
- William Stearns to head Heron Lake-Okabena schools.
- Tom DeWall in All Star Game at Met Center, Bloomington.
- Pomerenke's buy Blue Hawk Lanes.
1978 to Cessation of Okabena Press in
July
- Longtime Implement dealer, Ray Ahrens retires.
- Public meeting on Heron Lake and Okabena consolidation held.
- Band receives Superior rating.
- Emil Kay services held.
- Kevin Pomerenke and Cindy Baumgard selected as Boy and Girl Staters.
- Heron Lake and Okabena communities vote for consolidation.
- Long time editor of the Okabena Press, Hildreth (Dib) Johnson, passes
away.
1979
-
Additions to the Village of Okabena were platted:
Aden's addition, consisting of two blocks east of highway by Walter and Freda
Aden. Sherwood Acres addition located in southeast part of Okabena,
platted by August R. Scheppmann and Ardia Scheppmann.
-
Planning is progressing for the Okabena Centennial
Celebration in August.
-
Village is presently involved in construction of sanitary
sewer system.
-
Okabena Centennial Celebration Photographs.
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