03/18/21: Area Happenings & Accomplishments

Betty Taylor's desk donated to Hartley Public Library

The Hartley Public Library recently landed a new piece of furniture in honor of a well-known patron.

Orville Taylor, of Hartley, donated the desk of his late wife, Betty, who founded the Hartley Writing Group. Upon Betty's death in May of 2020, members of the group wanted to commemorate her memory by creating a writer's corner at the library. They gathered money to buy a desk for the spot, but Orville decided to donate Betty's desk instead to make the writer's corner even more special.

Since the group's funds were no longer needed for a desk, members purchased a new whiteboard for the library's meeting room in memory of Betty.

Patch-Eeten barn is complete

The Hartley Community Foundation has announced that the replica of the Patch-Eeten Barn is completed and ready to house items.

The building will display relics depicting an era that goes back to the late 1800s. This would include furnishings, farm tools (including perhaps small equipment) and household items that were part of everyday rural life in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Except for construction costs, much of the work done on the property is the result of volunteer participation which is ongoing and greatly appreciated by the foundation.

It is important to note that the entire project belongs to the Hartley community. The Patch-Eeten House, along with the Pleasant View Cemetery chapel, are museums that represent and remind Hartley area residents of the past and what has shaped who they are today.

To donate items, please contact Ron Hengeveld at (712) 260-9361 or Connie Olhausen at (712) 928-2978.

NWI ice is not nice

The walleye season is closed on Spirit, East Okoboji and West Okoboji lakes. Ice fishing is not recommended. Recent warm temperatures have quickly deteriorated much of the ice in the area. The extended forecast calls for continued warm temperatures with highs in the 40s and 50s.

Center Lake: Ice conditions have deteriorated significantly; unsafe ice conditions.

East Okoboji Lake: The walleye season is closed. Ice conditions have deteriorated significantly; unsafe ice conditions.

Ingham Lake: Ice conditions have deteriorated; unsafe ice conditions.

Lost Island Lake: Ice conditions have deteriorated significantly; unsafe ice conditions.

Minnewashta Lake: Ice conditions have deteriorated significantly; unsafe ice conditions.

Silver Lake (Dickinson): Ice conditions have deteriorated significantly; unsafe ice conditions.

Spirit Lake: The walleye season is closed. Ice conditions have deteriorated significantly; unsafe ice conditions. Yellow perch, fair.

West Okoboji Lake: The walleye season is closed. Ice conditions have deteriorated significantly; unsafe ice conditions.