2009 — One year ago
Five new playing fields at the Rochester Softball Complex have opened. The 17-acre site will be used for local youth teams and added to the facilities that the Rochester Amateur Sports Commission can draw upon for regional and national tournaments.
Raffle tickets are being sold to raise money for the restoration and repair of the Grand Army of the Republic Hall in Grand Meadow. The building was constructed in 1891 as a meeting hall for Civil War veterans and organizations.
1985 — 25 years ago
Joseph Pries of Byron and David Strain of Rochester helped pull two fishermen to safety from cold Lake Mille Lac. Two anglers were thrown from their boat when it was struck by another boat. Pries and Strain pulled them into their boat and got them to shore.
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More than 70 artists exhibited their work at the 36th annual Art Festival on the grounds near the Rochester Art Center. The festival drew up to 5,000 people.
The League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Society has launched an appeal to raise $2 million to help victims of a recent cyclone in Bangladesh.
1960 — 50 years ago
An aging bridge with an 8-ton limit collapsed in Lanesboro beneath the weight of a semi-trailer carrying 22 tons of feed. The truck plunged 30 feet in the Root River. The driver escaped injury.
Cement masons of Local 472 voted to accept a 17 ½-cents wage increase offered by contractors. This will bring the hourly wage to $3.40 per hour.
