From Our Files

• April 24, 1947

A contract for a new engine for the Hartley municipal light plant was awarded to R.V. Leary Co., of Des Moines. The Superior engine was a 1,000 horsepower unit with a 1,000 kilowatt generator. Total price for installation of the unit, including building alterations and accessories, was $114,512. The engine was designed so that if the need arose it could be supercharged to 1,440 horsepower, thus using the full capacity of the generator.

The convention of the O’Brien County Federated Women’s Clubs was held at the Methodist church in Hartley. Over 130 clubwomen attended. Hostesses were the local clubs: Friday, Athena, Klio, Emanon and Tuesday, with Mrs. H.G. Lorenzen as convention chairman. Miss Ava Johnson, KXEL news commentator, was the featured speaker. The topic of her address was “The Balkans and Peace.”

• April 20, 1972

Vern Jacobson announced that Drs. Weber and Schulz, Hartley veterinarians, had purchased the hatchery, house and all buildings belonging to Jacobson Hatchery, Inc. Hatching and all other allied operations at the hatchery would continue until the middle of June.

The Hartley math team comprised of Mark Sherman, Steve VerMulm and Shelley O’Brien, won team and individual honors in the 1972 National Math Test sponsored by the Actuarial Club of Des Moines. Sherman and VerMulm ranked No. 3 and No. 4 in the state. The team scored a total of 201.5 points.

The Hartley FFA Chapter held its 25th anniversary banquet. Approximately 260 people were in attendance. Tim Burke, National FFA President from New Hampton, was the main speaker. Numerous awards were presented to chapter members, and Dr. Mark Schulz was elected to the degree of Honorary Chapter Farmer.

• April 24, 1997

Rachel Hoftyzer, daughter of Roger and Sandy Hoftyzer, placed second in creative writing in the Iowa Reading Association’s statewide contest. Her work, “A Perfect World,” was chosen from among 224 entries. Rachel was a freshman at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn High School.

One of the two officer positions with the Hartley Police Department was quickly filled. Brian Denny, of rural Hartley, was hired to fill the full-time officer position. Denny had completed certification at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and was working part time as a patrol officer in Everly.

Canadian Pacific Railway sold 1,143 miles of its lines and associated assets in the Midwest to I&M Rail Link. One of the segments of rail line included in the sale ran from Marquette across northern Iowa to Sheldon. Area communities served by the line were Spencer, Everly, Hartley and Sanborn.

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