42nd First Lady of Clearwater County Named Saturday, June 12th

By Laura Hamilton laura@kkcqradio.com (06/23/2021)

The 2021 First Lady of Clearwater County was named during a special program on Saturday, June 12th at the Fireside in Bagley. The award has been presented annually since 1977 first under the direction of the Sorority Society, then the Tuesday Study Club took over for a few years before handing it off to the Historical Society 15 years ago. The public nominates the person they feel is most deserving of the honor and a secret panel of judges chooses the recipient. Tamara Edevold, on behalf of the Clearwater County Historical Society tells us about this years First Lady.

Recipients of the First Lady award can be someone who has made an impact in the county by volunteering or are recognized for their distinctive career.

During the program naming the First Lady of Clearwater County, they chose a theme focusing on women in the history of the county. This year’s theme was caregivers and people in the nursing profession. Oliva Anderson opened the Anderson Home Maternity Hospital in Shevlin in 1927.

Irene Bjerkness was born in Gonvick in 1920. She was a lieutenant during World War 2 serving in Normandy.

Tamara Edevold with the Clearwater County Historical Society.