From Our Files

• April 4, 1946

Three large scrapers were employed by the Town of Hartley to prepare the runways for the airport located southeast of town. Leveling was done for two runways, one a half mile running north and south and the other a little over a half mile running northwest-to-southeast. With the completion of that work, the town planned to sow a special type of seed on the runways that would make a good, firm foundation for the landing of planes.

For the first time in many years, the Hartley school had a track team. The athletic field was still in the process of improvement and would not be completed in time for use by the team, but a new cinder track was being laid out and was expected to be ready for competition in 1947. Due to lack of space the pole vault, discus and hurdles had to be omitted from the events in which Hartley would participate during meets.

• April 1, 1971

Grand prize winners of the annual Hartley High School science fair were Lori Meiske and Glenda Norton in the General Science division. Other top winners were Don Tarnasky, Physics; Mark Linder and Jerry Mohr, Chemistry; Dianne Klatt, General Science; and Marla Steinbeck and Patti Sorensen, Biology.

A most successful farm and home show was sponsored by the Hartley Chamber of Commerce. Several thousand persons toured the array of booths at Danceland and registered for numerous prizes.

Bill Langston, formerly manager of the Monsanto fertilizer plant in Hartley, was affiliated with the Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co. Bob Heimsoth was named the new manager of C-D Farm Service of Hartley (formerly Monsanto).

Phillip Sweeney, a junior at Hartley High School, was named an outstanding performer in the oratorical declamation category at the state individual events speech contest. As far as could be determined, it was the first time a Hartley student received that honor.

• April 4, 1996

O’Brien County American Legion and Legion Auxiliary honored all 50 year and over members during a banquet at Paullina. Twenty-seven Legion members and eight Legion Auxiliary members from Hartley were among those recognized.

Four Hartley volunteer firemen were presented 10-year service recognition plaques during the Farmers Mutual Insurance Association of O’Brien County meeting at Calumet. Those honored were Darrell Buechler, Terry Hilbert, Tim Hilbert and Randy Paulsen.

The 71st convention of the O’Brien County Federated Women’s Clubs featured recognition of members of 50 or more years. Among them were LaVonne McCarty, Doris Vezina and Mildred Weber, of the Friday Club. Elsie Verdoes, who had been a member of the Klio Club, was remembered during the memorial service.

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