Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
1971: Snowmobile club helps out during blizzard
• March 28, 1946
Little Miss Karen Liedtke, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Otto Liedtke, received one dollar which was a contest prize given by the “Children’s Activity Magazine” for coloring a picture of “Noma Toys.” There were a number of other prizes. Karen was 6 years old.
The entire incumbent ticket, which ran unopposed in the Hartley town election, was re-elected. The vote was light as was to be expected and the only opposition of any unified nature was for the office of mayor, where Mike Collins received the credible number of 44 write-in votes.
Henry Baumeister, prominent Hartley Township farmer, tossed his hat into the political ring. He filed as a Democratic candidate for supervisor of District No. 1 in O’Brien County. Also running on the Democratic ticket were John Voss and Ray Lefever. W.J. Linder was the only Republican candidate to have filed.
• March 25, 1971
During the annual meeting of the Community Memorial Hospital, Harlan Goetsch, Ingwer Hansen, LeRoy McCarty and Virgil Treimer were elected to the board.
Members of the Hartley Trail Blazers snowmobile club were busy during a blizzard that struck the area. Snowmobilers were credited with locating three people whose vehicle became stuck near the golf course, and transported an expectant mother and her husband to the Hartley hospital in time for the birth of their first child. They also transported hospital workers to and from their duties and assisted law enforcement authorities.
Mayor Harold Bojens named Larry Rawlings as the new chief of police for the Hartley community. Rawlings succeeded James Heathcote who resigned after serving a brief time in the position.
• March 28, 1996
A group of local citizens were investigating the establishment of a housing cooperative designed for individuals age 55 and older. The group was discussing the proposal with The Homestead Housing Center, of Inver Grove Heights, Minn. Supporters believed a cooperative housing community was a perfect way for area seniors to stay in Hartley without the burdens associated with maintaining a single-family home.
Rain turned into snow, which was accompanied by high winds during an early spring storm. Snowfall estimates ranged from three to six inches. The winds caused whiteout conditions and drifts blocked several roads.
Community Memorial Health Center reported a positive year in 1995. Licensed beds increased to 65 and occupancy at the facility was at 98 percent. Ninety-six persons were employed, with an annual payroll of nearly $1.2 million.
“From Our Files” is compiled by Sentinel-News sports editor/staff writer Mike Petersen.