1971: Spencer Foods workers strike in Hartley

• Jan. 24, 1946

Ed’s D-X service station was purchased from Ed Brown by Virgil Lage, who had been honorably discharged from the United States Army.

Ott Liedtke was suspending his garage business temporarily since he had to vacate the premises in which he was located. Mr. Liedtke planned to build new quarters as soon as the weather permitted.

The very icy condition of Hartley’s streets caused many mishaps to both pedestrians and car drivers. Little could be done until a thaw melted the ice layers except practice the greatest of caution.

The Hartley Public School was selected to host two major basketball events. O’Brien County boys’ teams would play their annual tournament in the Hartley gym, as would area girls’ basketball teams competing in sectional play.

• Jan. 21, 1971

Workers at the Spencer Foods plants who were members of the Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butchers Union of North America rejected company offers for a new contract at Spencer and a first-time contract for the Hartley plant. Production was stopped at both plants. It was the first there had ever been an organized strike in Hartley and the first time pickets had been seen here.

Chief of Police Heathcote announced that each shift of security guards hired by Spencer Foods to protect the Hartley plant would be inspected for firearms. Conflicting reports had been circulated concerning the demands made by the union representing the workers and offers made by Spencer Foods.

• Jan. 26, 1996

Freezing rain caused very icy conditions in the area. Most all activities were halted and schools were closed for two days. Area communities, including Melvin, were without electricity for many hours.

Shayne Mayer, a student at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Middle School, submitted the winning essay in the sixth grade category of the Northwest Iowa Creative Writing Contest. Her story, “Lost in Yellowstone,” was eligible for consideration in the state contest later in the year.

H-M-S Elementary Principal Rod Patton was named the AEA 4 elementary principal of the year. Nominations for the award were taken by the AEA 4 administrators, who selected the recipient. Patton was in his seventh year as a school administrator and third year at H-M-S Elementary School.

“From Our Files” is compiled by Sentinel-News sports editor/staff writer Mike Petersen.