This Week in History

10 years ago...

Walker Home Center’s first-ever “Burger Battle” raised more than $2,500 for the Leech Lake Boys and Girls Club.

More than 500 guests enjoyed the outdoor grilling competition among eight area restaurants.

When it was all over, Village Square won the Judges’ Choice, while Chase on the Lake’s 502 took the People’s Choice Award.

“The voting was very close,” said Jeff Holly of Walker Home Center. “In fact, it was so close we had to do recounts!”

25 years ago...

Severe weather didn’t dampen the 11th annual Mercury Walleye Classic on Leech Lake. Despite thunderstorm warnings, 160 anglers caught more than 1,300 fish worth more than $40,000 in cash and prizes.

Among the locals finishing at or near the top of leader boards was the male-female team of Al and Diane Maas with 21.35 pounds of fish. Second among male team finishers were Jack Shriver and Jack Shriver Jr. with 32.6 pounds.

50 years ago...

The death of a freshman student earlier this month at Walker-Hackensack High School was due to spinal meningitis. The student was taken by his parents to Park Rapids Area Hospital, where he died.

While this case was the only one reported in the area, school officials caution parents to be on the lookout for any headaches, sore throats or other possible symptoms and contact their doctor immediately. So far, the sad case seems to be the only one that occurred locally.