FEBRAURY 17

20 years ago (1993)

Kevin Thesing may not stand out, but he’s considered outstanding. The 36-year-old Brainerd businessman was named one of the Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans by the Minnesota Jaycees. Thesing was chosen from a field of 60 candidates statewide.

30 years ago (1983)

Two major developments – a horse racing track, and a combination ice rink with attached dormitory and senior apartments – were endorsed yesterday by the board of commissioners. Realtor Joel Grieshaber is leading the horse track initiative.

40 years ago (1973)

(Photo) Donna Martin, a vocational landscape student from Fridley, is awarded a $100 scholarship from the Brainerd Chamber. With her are Dick Knudsen, Chamber president; Elwood Wessman, ag department chair; and Roger Landsburg, landscape instructor.

60 years ago (1953)

(Adv.) Opening Tomorrow for 5 Big Days! On the screen at last. All the adventure and turbulence of the world-renowned story. At the Brainerd Theatre, see “Ivanhoe,” starring Robert Taylor, Elizabeth Taylor, Joan Fontaine and George Saunders.

80 years ago (1933)

C. C. Van Essen joined the ranks of bowling immortals in Brainerd, setting a new all-time singles record when he crashed the maples for 290. He broke Earl DeRocher’s mark of 288. Van Essen’s series total is now high for the season with a 689.

100 years ago (1913)

A story is being told on Harry Thorson, traveling salesman for a shoe company. Thorson was anxious to get some partridge to take home, and was given two birds by a friend. His wife cooked them and they were awful. Turns out they were identified as two owls.