July 20th in the Pioneer

July 20, 2014 – Joe Lueken, an early businessman and community advocate, has died at the age of 72. Lueken, who died of cancer surrounded by family, moved to Bemidji in 1966 and went into the grocery business. Over the years, he opened several stores and became known for his philanthropy.

July 20, 1999 – Hockey’s holy grail, the Stanley Cup, was in Bemidji this week. Rick Wilson, an assistant coach for the National Hockey League champion Dallas Stars, brought the 106-year-old trophy to Bemidji State’s John Glas Fieldhouse in front of an estimated 1,500 spectators.

July 20, 1974 – The Clearwater County Agricultural Society is holding an “Old Time Fiddlers Contest” at the 68th annual county fair in Bagley. The top three fiddlers will receive trophies and all participants will receive a certificate of participation or ribbon. Trophies will be awarded to the oldest contestant and the contestant who advances the furthest.

July 20, 1924 – Bemidji State Teachers College will conclude its summer semester by conferring degrees on eight or 10 graduates. This summer semester has been the institution’s best since it opened five years ago, highlighting the need for additional space at the college to accommodate rapidly increasing enrollment.