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News from the week of September 6, 2000 Headlight Herald - Serving Tracy, Minnesota, since 1880

Gray skies don't rain on Box Car Days

Cool overcast weather put a damper on some Tracy Box Car Day events. But overall, Tracy Chamber President Sara Kemp feels the celebration was successful.

Sunshine was in limited supply throughout the wekend, with fog and occasion mist rolling in Saturday, Sunday and Monday mornings. But Mother Nature spared Tracy any significant rainfall.

Carnival officials reported that the Saturday bracelet night was one of their best in recent years. But midway crowds on Sunday and Monday were smaller, possible because of the cool, cloudy weather.


Three-way county commissioner race highlights primary election

Voters will narrow a three-man field in the District 3 Lyon county Commissioner's race in Tuesday's primary election.

Three area men are running for the Conty commissioner's seat, vacaed by Jasper Vandelanotte, who is retiring. The names of the two top voter getters will appear on the November general election.

Seeking the position are: Tim Fruin of Cottonwood, James Albee of rural Marshall and Phil Nelson of rural Tracy.


Class of '60 says 'thanks'—1,300 times

Tracy High School Class of 1960 alumni presented Tracy Public Schools with a big thank you last week.

Class representatives gave District 417 a check for $1,300. The class raised the money at their 40th class reunion this summer.

The money, alumni said, was intended as a “thank you” for the good education they had received at Tracy. Classmates said they want to help insure that today's students also receive a good education.

A statement, read at the check presentation, explained:

“We, on the behalf of the Class of 1960, and our teachers, present this contribution to Tracy Area High School for use by the Panther Television Network. (The donation) is in appreciation for our good education, and the strong foundation it gave us, and to facilitate meaningful opportunities for current and future students.”


`To be, or not to be?' Yes, says new Fine Arts Council of Tracy

A non-profit, tax-exempt group has been formed to promote the fine arts in Tracy.

The Fine Arts Council of Tracy (FACT) successfully filed papers with Minnesota Secretary of State's office. The group qualifies as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501 (c) (3).

The group's purpose, as stated in their bylaws, is:

• “To foster, encourage, and develop public appreciation of the performing arts;”

• “To provide means and facilities to afford qualified persons to acquire knowledge and experience in staging artistic productions;”

• “To cultivate, promote, foster, sponsor, and develop an understanding of the performing arts...”

The group made a theatrical splash in the Tracy Box Car Days parade Monday. FACT sponsored a float featuring characters from the three major theater productions staged in Tracy over the past three years: Annie Jr., The Music Man, and Wizard of Oz. This November, FACT is helping sponsor the production of Oklahoma!


Miss Tracy dazzles again

Teresa Zeug is the new Miss Tracy.

The daughter of robert and Margie Zeug of rural Milroy earned $2,000 in scholarships along with the coveted Miss Tracy title Sunday night. On her way to becoming Miss Tracy, Zeug won three individual competition categories: Presence and composure, Creative arts Presentation and Panel Evaluation.

Kelly Warner, daughter of Leon and karen Warner, Tracy; was the first runner-up. Carin Gervais, daughter, rural Currie, was the second runner-up.


Parade proposal gives couple a ride on sunny side of street

Overcast skies didn't stop romance from blooming at the Tracy Box Car Days parade Monday.

Scores of people watched as Dan Pyle, a 1997 Tracy Area High School grad, stop the parade to ask Kristina Lanoue to marry him. The crowd applauded when she accepted his proposal. The couple rode through the rest of the Box Car Days parade in the rumble seat of a 1931 Ford Model A.

The surprise proposal took place at the corner of Hollett and Third Streets, where Kristina, was watching the parade with her parents, Dan and Elise Lanoue. She expected to see her boyfriend in the parade. Somewhat gloomily, young Mr. Pyle had told Kristina that his pastor, Homer Dobson, had “roped him into” riding on a parade entry for his church.

So it was a surprise for Kristina, when Pastor Dobson stopped his Model A directly opposite from where the Lanoues were watching the parade. When Dan got out of the car and motioned to her, she didn't know what to think. Kristina hadn't seen the hand-lettered signs attached to the Model A.

“Kristina L, will you marry me?” read the tag-board sign.