Happenings From 1970-1979

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.
Another successful 4^th of July celebration.
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.
Another successful 4^th of July celebration.
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.
Parade starts another successful 4th of July Celebration.
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.
Parade starts another successful 4th of July Celebration.
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.
Parade starts another successful 4th of July Celebration.

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.
Parade starts another successful 4th of July Celebration.
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.
Parade starts another successful 4th of July Celebration.
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.
Parade starts another successful 4th of July Celebration.
Tom DeWall in All Star Game at Met Center, Bloomington.
Pomerenke's buy Blue Hawk Lanes.

1978

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.
Parade starts another successful 4th of July Celebration.
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.

Parade starts another successful 4th of July Celebration.
Planning is progressing for the Okabena Centennial Celebration in August.
Village is presently involved in construction of sanitary sewer system.
Okabena Centennial Celebration Photographs.

(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.)