Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
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Hundreds of protestors made their voices heard loud and clear June 4 in Spencer. Between 400-500 people descended on the Clay County seat to march down Grand Avenue in honor of George Floyd, who died at the hands of Minneapolis police on Memorial Day. Though tensions in Spencer were high prior to the event due to rioting and looting seen elsewhere across the country, last Thursday's event was peaceful. No arrests were made and law enforcement worked with organizers during the planning process....
O'Brien County joined an unfortunate list Tuesday when officials announced the first coronavirus-related death since the pandemic began. The individual was an adult male, however, the O'Brien County Public Health Department was unable to release other details like his age or which town he resided in. "We wish to extend our sympathy to this individual's family," the health department stated in a release. "O'Brien County Public Health and all of our key partners throughout the county and state...
BY NICK PEDLEY Changes are on the way affecting which dogs can live inside Hartley city limits and which ones can't. Megan Hoger, who is in the process of purchasing a house in Hartley, approached the council Monday about removing an ordinance banning pit bulls from city limits. Hoger and her boyfriend, Jason Vaske, own a pitbull, but they were unaware Hartley rules deemed the breed vicious when they made an offer on their future home. "She is a very loving and gentle animal, and she's never...
Fans of high school baseball and softball will be heading to their favorite teams' diamonds as games will be played starting on Monday, June 15. But spectators are strongly encouraged to take all precautions necessary to help prevent the further spread of COVID-19. Information released through the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union advises that no one should attend games if they have been in contact with anyone with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis within the last 14 days, or if they...
Efficiencies are often found in times of crisis. Last week's primary election in Iowa was evidence of that. More than 520,000 votes were cast, shattering the previous record of 449,490 set in 1994. Despite unprecedented obstacles, it was a smooth and secure election thanks to loosened restrictions on absentee voting made by Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate. "This election was a terrific example of counties, state agencies and the federal government working together to ensure Iowans could vote s...
COVID-19 has taken a back seat the past few weeks as we shift our focus to the injustices of our fellow humans. It's sick that there is still a debate about which lives matter. Yes, all lives do matter, but that's not what needs to be said right now. The Black Lives Matter movement is to stress and highlight that black lives do matter, especially amidst the trials, persecution and injustices they have faced for decades and centuries. That they matter; that's it. That's all the movement asks....
When I was growing up in the Fifties, I awoke on Monday mornings to the sound of the old Maytag washer humming in the basement Mom’s weekly laundry routine followed the same pattern as most homemakers of the day – wash and dry clothes on Monday, iron and put them away on Tuesday. Indeed, doing laundry back then wasn’t the willy-nilly affair that it’s become today when we pop a load in the washer on our way out the door, and transfer it to the dryer when we return home. On washday, the family...
In a year where it appeared there may not be a graduation ceremony at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Class of 2020 could have two. A small ceremony was held Friday evening in front of the high school to recognize Matthew Meyers and Clint Peters, who are scheduled to leave for basic training prior to commencement exercises which are scheduled for Sunday, July 12. "This is not really how we wanted to do this, but with COVID we have no choice," said Principal Nate Hemiller...
Clay County Auditor Marge Pitts' final primary election was one to remember. The longtime official, who is retiring at year's end, oversaw a record turnout during last week's vote. The surge wasn't just a local trend, as Iowa broke its previous primary election record by more than 70,000 ballots. According to the Iowa Secretary of State's Office, turnout in Clay County was 23.4 percent and 31.1 percent in O'Brien County. "This is outstanding," said Pitts. "I think people were satisfied with how...
elvin-Sanborn Middle School has uncovered a bit of history – buried beneath the playground behind the school were walls from a time gone by. In 1896, a two-story Sanborn school building with a large basement was constructed of Mankato stone, Sioux City brick and stucco. A brick and block addition to the north side was built in 1914. The structures sat in the area that is now the playground. In 1939 a new brick school building was constructed to the south and east of the previous building, w...
Private family graveside services for Mary Ann Bobolz were held on Saturday, June 6, 2020, at Pleasant View Cemetery in Hartley. Pastor Chris Nitzel officiated. Pallbearers were Kelly Lux, Brad Bobolz, Jerry Petersen, Thomas Petersen, Carl Petersen, Paul Petersen, Randy Bobolz, Steve Petersen, Terry Thomsen and Dan Thomsen. Honorary bearers were Art Schuenemann and Neil Petersen. Warner Funeral Home in Spencer assisted with the arrangements. Mary Ann Bobolz, the daughter of Julius and Hilda...
Private family services for Bonnie L. Schoelerman were held at the Warner Chapel in Spencer. Pastor Lynn Dau officiated. Casket bearers were David Schoelerman, Brent Moritz, Bradley Moritz, Brian Moritz, Evan Erichsen, Seth Erichsen, Kevin Klein, Todd Dykstra and Brendan Scroggin. Honorary casket bearers were Vanessa Klein, Shelby Scroggin, Nicole Allen and Jennifer Dykstra. Interment was at Pleasant View Cemetery in Hartley. Warner Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements. Bonnie Lee Schoelerman (Pfitzenmaier), daughter of Art and Loena...
• June 14, 1945 The Smith Hamburger Shop, which had been under the ownership and management of Mrs. Carrie Smith, was sold to Mr. and Mrs. Albert Fletcher, of Kingsley. Mrs. Smith’s plans for the future were undecided. K.G. Rasmussen, of May City, sold 49 head of Hereford cattle to Art Johnson, of Smith and Co., at the highest price ever paid for any cattle by Mr. Johnson at the local stockyards. The cattle averaging 1,508 pounds sold at 17 cents. They were shipped to New York. Torrential rains caused the flooding of basements in many Hartley r...
Evertek recently celebrated the longevity, talent and tenacity of their General Manager Roxanne White and newly-retired Board Member Bud Meyer. White has been with Evertek for more than 35 years. "I was the fourth employee of Evertek when I started as an accountant in 1985," she recalled. "To this day I love accounting, but I also have loved the many opportunities I've had there. I've enjoyed working in many different areas – switching, driving equipment, staffing and more." White became o...
Clay Central/Everly's can cages had a brief hiatus, but they're back and ready to be filled. CC/E encourages can and bottle donations to be left in the three can cages. Funds from donations help support the afternoon snack program, Mavpack backpack program and school field trips. Can cages can be found at three locations: Royal, north of the Royal Museum; Everly, south of the CC/E ag building near the Little League field; and Rossie, at the Rossie Store. The Clay Central/Everly can cages...
Food pantry at Hope Lutheran The food pantry at Hope Lutheran Church in Everly is still open. Temporary hours are Mondays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., and Wednesdays, 1-5 p.m. Please knock on the church door and food will be brought out to you. McCarty shower is June 13 A drive-by bridal shower for Katrina McCarty will be held Saturday, June 13 from 9-10:30 a.m., at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Royal. Curbside treats will be available. McCarty and her fiance, Austin Bostwick, are registered at Target, Menards and Amazon. Kelsey Holtz graduates from BVU...
Adults and kids alike will find something to love during this year's summer library program at Hartley Public Library. This year's theme is "Imagine Your Story." Some changes will be implemented to ensure all patrons will remain safe and healthy as they enjoy reading and activities to do at home during the six-week summer program. No in-person activities or events will be held at the library. Registration will begin on June 15 at the library or participants can register online by emailing...
O'Brien County is home to 21 graduating senior 4-H members. As social distancing and these unprecedented COVID-19 times continue, the graduates remind us what 4-H, as well as life, are all about. The following are the responses from the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn seniors who were involved in 4-H. Paige Dagel: "My favorite memory of 4-H is meeting so many new people and networking in the agriculture industry. My advice to younger 4-H members is to try to do one of everything before your last year!...