From Our Files

• Feb. 6, 1947

Snow which reached blizzard proportions all but halted transportation in northwest Iowa. The local school was closed for two days. After reopening, the wind whipped up new drifts and caused the biggest share of rural students to be marooned in town as the school buses were unable to return the pupils home. They were housed by local residents.

A legislative committee comprised of W.A. Hamilton, Harry Ketelsen, Carl Rahn and the directors of the Hartley Chamber of Commerce planned to meet with Mr. Hudson, of the National Chamber of Commerce, to decide what action would be taken by the local group in becoming affiliated with the national organization.

The Hartley Aviation Club discussed a proposal to raise sufficient funds to construct a hangar at the local airport. A non-profit corporation would be formed to sell non-interest bearing bonds to interested parties to finance the project.

• Feb. 3, 1972

Hartley High School students selected to perform at the Northwest Iowa Honor Band Festival were Sue DeGraaf, Julie Flick, Mary Mills, Shelley O’Brien and Deb Peters. All five Hartley musicians earned first chair positions in the honor band.

The first in a series of 1972 retail promotions sponsored by the Hartley Chamber of Commerce was the “Valentine Price Massacre.” Merchants had the option of continuing their specials to Washington’s birthday if they desired to do so.

Roger W. Boetel, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Boetel of Hartley, was named central office foreman for Northwestern Bell in Dubuque. A graduate of Hartley High School, Boetel joined the telephone company in 1960 after serving three years in the U.S. Army Signal Corps.

• Feb. 6, 1997

The Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn FFA chapter participated in the district soil evaluation contest. Team members Shane Ahrenstorff, Noelan Dather, Ladonna Mielke and Jared Van Engen were required to judge four pits and complete a written exam. They placed sixth out of 15 teams.

The board of directors of North West REC approved a $581,000 refund and rate reduction for its members. Customers of the former O’Brien County REC received a 10 percent overall rate reduction while those who were formerly part of Sioux Electric received a corresponding 10 percent rate refund on the total amount of electricity purchased from North West REC during 1996.

The Hartley Chamber of Commerce and Ambassadors welcomed Family Traditions, a full-service beauty salon and gift shop, to the local business community.

Pastor Bruce and Janet Branson celebrated the 30th anniversary of their coming to Hartley to serve Central Avenue Baptist Church. Pastor Branson was the longest-tenured minister in the community. The Bransons considered Hartley a great place to raise their five sons.

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