Verndale

Gallery

Our Story

Population: 602

Median Age: 35

Median Income: $26,000

Area: .98 square miles

Most Common Industry: Construction, Healthcare, Retail

PAST

The town is located east of the Crow Wing River on the edge of a prairie and bordered west and north by pine groves. Verndale was originally settled in 1877 by Civil War Veterans from Iowa. The Northern Pacific Railroad, and now Highway 10 which parallels it, rides through the middle of town. Called, the “most beautiful town between Brainerd and Fargo”, Verndale was established quickly to serve the needs of settlers swarming to the area. It then served as a booming wheat trading center with its two grain elevators, grist mill, and railroad station. Today Verndale’s strong farming tradition continues with England Prairie Living Museum south of town serving as a model for harnessing new varieties of crops and as a market for local produce. Many more stories are contained in Verndale’s History Museum.

Verndale residents understand the importance of getting involved to help where it is needed, this is one of the greatest strengths it holds. Fund raisers are common in Verndale and these have helped to shape the community through challenges whether it is tornado recovery, illness, or community need. These efforts have built camaraderie, athletic field lights, and a new, thriving business district.

PRESENT

Residents feel Verndale is a neat place to raise children as it is stated on their welcome sign. This is also evidenced by the tremendous support for their school, which attracts many students from the area through their open enrollment program. The school also houses community education and open gym programs. The residents continue to be strong sponsors for a new referendum for continued expansion.

Farmers are learning to strengthen local food economies in the community through innovative practices. They are currently widening their flexibility through new crop varieties and expanding growing season with high tunnels. Additionally, they are working collaboratively with area farmers to deliver fresh, local foods to schools and the hospital nearby with hopes of expanding their hub.

The town supports small businesses that serve to meet basic needs including a grocery/thrift store, hardware, clinic, hair salon, and newspaper, as well as horse sales, manufacturing, and banking services. The railroads still maintains a service hub and spur line for the area, which continues to help businesses survive.

One of the most unique events in Verndale is the Bulls and Barrels…and Broncs, a two-day, indoor rodeo held annually in February. It is Verndale Days that draws residents together. Once known as Sunbonnet/Straw Hat Days, the festival sparks several events to celebrate: a parade, fireworks and the one-act plays put on by actors from the community college.

Verndale identified these additional assets in their community.

Natural Assets:

Pine Forests	Wing and Leaf Rivers
Water	Agriculture lands rich for fruits and vegetables

Cultural Assets:

Volunteers: People work well together	Strong faith community
Sunbonnet Days celebrates early settlers	Farming Community
History museum focus on local history	Pioneer Museum focusing on agricultural community

Human Assets:

Healthcare providers	Farmers
Educators	EMTs: great responsiveness
Labor/construction workers	Newspaper in town

Social Assets:

Large indoor rodeo	Festivals throughout the year: Verndale Days, Falls Festival, Christmas
Lion’s Club	DAC/Grocery Thriftstore to support the community needs
Meals on Wheels

Political Assets:

Responsive city employees

Financial Assets:

Financial institutions: Star Bank	Lion’s Club scholarships
Successful local fund raising	Fire Department Spring Auction
Local businesses	Municipal liquor store

Built Assets:

Location on Hwy 10	Railroad
Good roads	Well maintained city streets
City Park	Buildings available for new businesses
Auction Barn	Home for aging population
Grocery/Thrift store	Laundromat
Baseball/Football fields	Lion’s Club Community building for social functions
Several cafes	Four churches
Good city sewer and water	Railroad Service hub
Tri County Hospital

FUTURE

When the subject of Verndale’s future started, people got really excited with ideas to continue growth and expansion for their community. Ideas ranged from a local foods hub, vegetable processing plant, and an initiative for shop local –including agriculture, to completing the water and sewer projects, engaging the newspaper with resident’s comments and briefs, to more outside financing options to start up businesses.

Community Goals

1. Assisted Living Facility (affordable) with satellite clinic/senior accessibility

2. While Verndale is located between Lakewood Health Systems and Tri-County Health, it is lacking a local clinic for residents. Additionally, as their population age, there is a growing need to house seniors in a way that would allow independence while having close access to medical attention. By establishing a senior’s residence with a small clinic on the ground floor now, this could meet a future need for the community.

3. School Referendum passed – to expand school

4. School is an important focus for this community. It is already a strength that Verndale has –especially with a school that is attracting students from around the area with their Open Enrollment policy. To pass the school referendum will help secure a solid educational future for the children.

5. More job opportunities – reopen Custom Homes, funds to promote new businesses.

6. The closing of Custom Homes manufacturing facility has left few opportunities for the skilled tradesmen in the area. Additionally, residents are asking for more financing options to help businesses in the area start up. By identifying a balanced mix of economic levers to create more job opportunities – manufacturing, vegetable processing, or housing—can help revive Verndale to the trading center it once was.

For more information about Verndale, send an email to verncity@scicable.com or visit their website at http://www.cityofverndale.com/.