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  • They never gave up

    Mike Petersen, Sports Editor & Staff Writer|Jun 29, 2023

    Harris-Lake Park endured the agony of watching Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn rally from a three-run deficit to earn a 4-3 win on June 21. The Wolves scored single runs in the first, fifth and sixth innings to build a 3-0 lead. Meanwhile, H-M-S did not have a hit until the fifth inning. The Hawks had two more hits in the sixth but could not get on the scoreboard. The Hawks were down to their final out in the home half of the seventh, with Lindsey Van Es at first base. Alexis Grover was hit by a pitch...

  • Next steps in the process

    Mike Petersen, Sports Editor & Staff Writer|Jun 22, 2023

    Now that the decision to turn over operation of Royal's water system to Iowa Lakes Regional Water has been made, details of completing the transition are being worked out. CEO Brad Veit discussed the takeover with city council members on June 14. It was agreed that Maintenance Superintendent Sherman Nielsen will continue to read water meters until updated units are installed. The city will bill ILRW for Nielsen's time. According to discussion, ILRW plans to relocate the meter and piping inside t...

  • A Royal paint job

    Mike Petersen, Sports Editor & Staff Writer|Jun 22, 2023

    Royal residents and passersby are seeing an updated look for the community's water tower. Central Tank Coatings, of Elgin, painted the water tank and supporting structure earlier this month. City officials acknowledged at last week's council meeting that the tank colors (gold and royal blue) did not turn out quite as they expected. They also questioned how readable the white lettering with yellow background for "Royal America" was from a distance. However, most of the comments about the water...

  • Unpaid school fees to be collected

    Mike Petersen, Sports Editor & Staff Writer|Jun 22, 2023

    An Oskaloosa firm has been hired by the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Community School to assist with collection of unpaid fees. The agreement approved on Monday authorizes submission of claims to Credit Bureau Services of Iowa for delinquent accounts, unsatisfied judgements and/or dishonored checks. Superintendent Patrick Carlin explained that efforts by the district to collect fees from "habitual offenders" have been unsuccessful. "The balances are getting higher and higher. At some point you have to...

  • Change of location

    Mike Petersen, Sports Editor & Staff Writer|Jun 22, 2023

    The potential site for flashing beacons at a pedestrian crossing on Highway 18 is farther east than previously recommended. The Hartley Recreational Trail Committee wants the equipment installed near the intersection of Highway 18 and North 3rd Avenue East, at a crossing from Dollar General to Fanning Field. The safety of pedestrians walking on or along the highway is a concern. “There’s plenty of people walking on Highway 18. It would be better if this went there,” Committee Member Dan McCarty said during the city council meeting on June...

  • Getting back in the win column

    Mike Petersen, Sports Editor & Staff Writer|Jun 22, 2023

    The Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn softball team combined strong hitting and aggressive play to defeat Gehlen Catholic, 9-2, on June 14 in Hartley. The victory came after two losses in which the Hawks were limited to four hits in each. "The bats came alive and the girls tested them on the bases," said Hawk coach Stephanie Bronstad. Two-out singles in the first inning by Gracie Knobloch and Abby Otto, along with an error, led to two runs. A two-run double by Knobloch and a single by Morgan Grooters were...

  • It's a game of inches

    Mike Petersen, Sports Editor & Staff Writer|Jun 22, 2023

    Remsen St. Mary's baseball team proved it can hit and score runs in bunches against Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn. The No. 3 team in Class 1A put up big numbers during an 18-0 win on June 12 at Remsen. St. Mary's scored six runs in each of the first three innings. Four H-M-S pitchers combined to allow 13 hits. "We went with a pitcher by committee because of the four-game week and needing to keep guys eligible to pitch in other games," Hawk coach Jeremy Gloden said. "It really didn't matter who we put...

  • The price gets higher

    Mike Petersen, Sports Editor & Staff Writer|Jun 15, 2023

    The cost to remove asbestos from an abandoned building in downtown Hartley is increasing due to its condition. A bid totaling $15,860 from Site Services was accepted last month by the Hartley City Council for removing asbestos from the building at 170 South Central Avenue. But due to the condition of the structure, the bid accepted on Monday is $28,855. "It went up a lot," said Superintendent of Public Works Curtis Conaway. "Part of that is the collapsed roof." The structure, which formerly...

  • From Our Files

    Mike Petersen, Sports Editor & Staff Writer|Jun 15, 2023

    • June 17, 1948 More children than the average observer knew lived in the Hartley vicinity gathered in front of Neebel’s Danceland for the Kinderfest. Five hundred youngsters registered and took part in the Fogel Schiesen and Krug Schlager despite the intense heat. King Ronnie Dixson and Queen June Kroger led the parade of youngsters through the main streets of Hartley. A children’s dance was also held, followed by an old-time dance for adults. Beacon Lodge No. 495 A.F. and A.M. celebrated its 60th anniversary by holding a special meeti...

  • A win is a win

    Mike Petersen, Sports Editor & Staff Writer|Jun 15, 2023

    Down to the last out, Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn's softball team scored two runs to walk off with a 4-3 win over Unity Christian. Abby Kunzman hit a one-out single and Morgan Grooters was hit by a pitch in the bottom of the seventh inning. After advancing on a groundout, both runners scored on consecutive singles by Frankie Mohni and Eliza Tewes to give H-M-S the War Eagle Conference win on June 9 in Hartley. "A win is a win," Hawk coach Stephanie Bronstad acknowledged. "The girls battled OK. We had...

  • Late runs salvage tournament split

    Mike Petersen, Sports Editor & Staff Writer|Jun 15, 2023

    A big inning against the host team helped Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn salvage a split at the South O'Brien softball tournament on June 10. Trailing 5-0 entering the fifth inning, the Hawks scored six times to take the lead. They added an insurance run in the seventh to win the consolation game, 7-5. The Hawks' biggest hit of the game was a home run by Gracie Knobloch. She also drove in two runs. Kinsey Schirmer contributed two singles and a run batted in, and Delaney Murphy added a single and two...

  • Struggling at the start

    Mike Petersen, Sports Editor & Staff Writer|Jun 15, 2023

    Akron-Westfield combined a pair of three-run innings with good pitching and defense to defeat Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn, 8-0, in War Eagle Conference baseball action on June 5. Three first-inning runs gave the visiting Westerners the early lead. After scoring once in both the second and fourth innings, they added three runs in the seventh. Singles by Jacob Cates and Tyson Tessum in the third inning were H-M-S's only hits. "I liked how we kept ourselves in it after giving up three runs right away,"...

  • From Our Files

    Mike Petersen, Sports Editor & Staff Writer|Jun 8, 2023

    • June 10, 1948 Town Clerk Lyle Shinkle set three days during which time all owners and operators of bicycles in Hartley would be required to purchase a license. The licensing of bicycles was not enforced during the war years due to the inability to obtain tags. Total sales on Poppy Day in Hartley were $246.87. The figure might have been higher if it had not been for the rainy weather. Members of the Legion Auxiliary and Junior Auxiliary sold the little red flowers. Mrs. LuVerne Sartorius was the local drive chairman. The Hartley r...

  • Hawks drop 2-of-3 at Sheldon softball tourney

    Mike Petersen, Sports Editor & Staff Writer|Jun 8, 2023

    Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn’s losses during the Sheldon softball tourney on June 3 were to teams included in last week’s ratings by the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union. West Lyon (3A No. 12) and Sergeant Bluff-Luton (4A No. 15) handed the Hawks identical 10-0 losses, while H-M-S won its game with Sheldon, 6-1. In the win, the Hawks scored all their runs in the fourth inning. Eliza Tewes contributed two RBI while Morgan Grooters, Gracie Knobloch and Abby Otto each had one. Tewes finished wit...

  • Confidence boosters

    Mike Petersen, Sports Editor & Staff Writer|Jun 8, 2023

    Hitting, pitching and defense were all key contributors to Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn's 10-0 win over Trinity Christian on June 1. The Hawks' hit total matched their scoring output, led by Tanner Tesch with three hits (one double), three runs scored and three runs batted in. Bradley Van Beek hit a single and a double, and drove in two runs, and Jack Mastbergen had two hits and an RBI. Jacob Cates, Evan Eilers and Ben Waddell each contributed a single. In the field, H-M-S played error-free baseball...

  • Having their ups and downs

    Mike Petersen, Sports Editor & Staff Writer|Jun 8, 2023

    Despite interruptions due to weather as well as injuries, Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn's softball team continued its winning ways against Trinity Christian on June 1. The Hawks played well in the field and scored all of its runs in one inning to earn the 3-0 win. Kinsey Schirmer and Gracie Knobloch singled and Kamryn Ebel walked to start the fourth inning. Eliza Tewes singled to drive in the first run and Addy Sheeler followed with a single to add a pair of insurance runs. H-M-S stranded two runners i...

  • One day, one opportunity

    Mike Petersen, Sports Editor & Staff Writer|Jun 1, 2023

    Accomplishments of Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Middle School students for 2022-23 were highlighted during the awards program on May 25. Achievement in academics and extracurricular activities by students in grades 5-8 was recognized through the presentation of certificates by middle school staff. In addition, Mi'Ono Club, of Sanborn, presented special awards to eighth graders Nathan Schreur for perfect attendance during 2022-23 and to Eli Mastbergen, for academic achievement. For the second year,...

  • Off to the right start

    Mike Petersen, Sports Editor & Staff Writer|Jun 1, 2023

    The 2023 softball season began according to plan for Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn, which mixed a strong night at the plate with good pitching and defense in a 10-7 win over visiting Graettinger-Terril/Ruthven-Ayrshire on May 22. Gracie Knobloch had four hits and three runs batted in, and Delaney Murphy hit three singles to lead H-M-S. Alexis Glover, Kinsey Schirmer and Eliza Tewes had one hit. After leading off the second inning with hits, Knobloch scored on an error and Murphy beat the throw home on...

  • Hawks, Royals split softball doubleheader

    Mike Petersen, Sports Editor & Staff Writer|Jun 1, 2023

    Playing a rare varsity softball doubleheader, Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn won the game that was most important against MMCRU. The second game, a 6-3 win by the Hawks on May 24 at Remsen, counts toward their War Eagle Conference record. Pitcher Gracie Knobloch allowed eight hits and recorded 12 strikeouts. At the plate, the Hawks finished with 12 hits, including three each by Cadence Klein, Delaney Murphy and Kinsey Schirmer. Klein singled in H-M-S's run in the second inning. After MMCRU scored twice...

  • Too many extra opportunities

    Mike Petersen, Sports Editor & Staff Writer|Jun 1, 2023

    Opponents took advantage of scoring opportunities against Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn in baseball action last week. Hosting Ridge View on May 22, the Hawks were hurt by one big inning during a 7-1 loss. It came in the third, when the Raptors combined two hits with an error, a passed ball and balk to score four runs. Ridge View's runs in the first, fifth and sixth innings were also aided by errors. "We just made too many mistakes in big situations that gave them extra opportunities, and they...

  • Equipment upgrades continue in Royal

    Mike Petersen, Sports Editor & Staff Writer|May 25, 2023

    Following a pattern the Royal City Council hopes to continue, purchases of a new skid loader and a payroll subscription update were approved on May 10. Council members have committed to replacing city equipment on a rotating basis. As the current skid loader is the next item on the list, the council accepted a bid of $53,900 from Sheldon Cat for a Caterpillar skid loader. Builders Service, of Cherokee, submitted a bid of $54,486 for a Bobcat. Having never operated a Cat skid loader, Maintenance Superintendent Sherman Nielsen wanted to test...

  • H-M-S baseball preview: The fundamentals still apply

    Mike Petersen, Sports Editor & Staff Writer|May 25, 2023

    Twenty-one athletes, including eight letter winners and six returning starters, are on the roster of the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn baseball team, and Hawk coach Jeremy Gloden is happy with their approach to preparing for the season. "I have been very pleased with the attitudes and how hard guys are working," he said. "We had a lot of guys put a lot of time in this offseason and it has shown so far." Gloden feels there are two areas which are important to the Hawks' success. "Two things we have been...

  • H-M-S softball preview: A great shot to move up the standings

    Mike Petersen, Sports Editor & Staff Writer|May 25, 2023

    Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn may have a relatively young softball team, but it is far from inexperienced. All but one starter returns from the 2022 squad that finished with the program's best record [10-15] since 2017. Three seniors, five juniors, seven sophomores, four freshmen and an eighth grader are on the roster. Returners who earned postseason recognition last year are sophomore Gracie Knobloch, first team all-War Eagle Conference and Class 2A all-state second team; and senior Cadence Klein,...

  • A great way to wrap up the season

    Mike Petersen, Sports Editor & Staff Writer|May 25, 2023

    Sanborn concluded their track and field careers at the 2023 coed state track and field meet at Drake Stadium in Des Moines. Kooper Ebel came up one place short of placing in the Top 8 of the Class 2A 400-meter dash finals on May 18. The senior placed second in Heat 2 and ninth overall with an H-M-S record time of :51.18. "Kooper ran extremely well, breaking his own school record to finish his amazing high school career representing H-M-S along the way," said Hawk coach Jay Eilers. Two other...

  • The bats get going

    Mike Petersen, Sports Editor & Staff Writer|May 25, 2023

    Following a season-opening loss, Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn coach Jeremy Gloden said the Hawks need to put the ball in play to pressure an opposing defense. Three nights later, they did just that. The Hawks had eight hits, including four doubles, against Graettinger-Terril/Ruthven-Ayrshire at Ruthven. They helped propel H-M-S to a 10-2 win on May 18. The biggest hit came in the seventh inning, when Trenton Vollink hit a double to drive in three of H-M-S's five runs. Bradley Van Beek's double in the...

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