10 years ago
April 2, 2012 -- Ten Bemidjians are adrift in the South China Sea on the cruise ship Azamara Quest after a fire temporarily disabled the ship. Of the 1,000 people on board, five crew members were injured. With power and propulsion restored, the ship is now making its way to the Philippines for repairs.
25 years ago
April 2, 1997 -- The Bemidji School Board announced $800,000 worth of budget cuts for the 1997-1998 school year, to avoid deficit spending. The move includes terminating the contracts of over 20 teachers and assistants, as well as reducing budgets for supplies and extracurriculars.
50 years ago
April 2, 1972 -- Confused Cathy, a cow with its udders by its front legs instead of its back, has returned to the Bemidji scene with a new owner. Made famous while owned by Bemidjian Marv Vaerst, he sold Cathy to a couple in Red Wing after people doubted Cathy’s integrity. That couple has now moved to Bemidji themselves, with Cathy in tow.
100 years ago
April 2, 1922 -- A Minneapolis man by the name of John J. Conway has bought 140,000 acres of land south of Blackduck, with the intent to divide the land into 40 to 160 acre tracts and sell them to settlers looking to move into the area. The soil is considered exceptionally productive for those interested in farming.
