This Was Brainerd - Feb. 1

By Terry McCollough on Feb 1, 2018 at 3:30 a.m.

FEBRUARY 1

20 years ago (1998)

Ricky Lee Harder's 20-year flight from justice ended Jan. 30 when he was pulled over by a deputy sheriff at 9:30 p.m. The man, now living in Jenkins, claimed to be Paul Donder, but records showed he was Harder, who escaped from an Illinois prison 20 years ago.

30 years ago (1988)

(Photo) Members of the Warrior debate team were all smiles as they gathered around their coach, Doug Johnson, and the trophy they got by winning the section tournament. Debaters are Chris Kelkar, Dave Frenz, Tony Maras and Lonny Smith.

40 years ago (1978)

An outbreak of flu in the area has caused St. Joseph's Hospital to request that visitation be restricted. Only husbands of maternity patients, immediate family of critically ill and parents of children are to visit. And even these individuals should come only if they feel well.

60 years ago (1958)

With big John Emerson playing on two injured ankles, the Warriors went down to their third loss of the season, this one to hustling St. Cloud Tech, 75-60. It was Tech's first win over Brainerd in 12 tries. A flurry of fouls called against the Warrior man-to-man defense opened it up for Tech.

80 years ago (1938)

Revival of a project to build a winter sports arena in Brainerd, first discussed about 18 months ago, has been revived. The local VFW Club is leading the charge and speaking with the federal WPA. The building would house a hockey rink, curling rink and children's skating rink.

100 years ago (1918)

Sam Wooden, a painter, was held up and robbed at Third and Forsyth Streets last night. Thieves poked a gun in his face and stole an oil stove he had just bought to heat the room of his wife, who is suffering from pneumonia. A bus scared them off before they could go through his pockets.

• Compiled by Terry McCollough -