From Our Files

• July 8, 1948

Kermit Kloppenburg displayed a sample of oats from a 14-acre plot of new ground. The oats measured 5’7” in height and contained from 40 to 72 kernels per head. Estimates indicated the oats, of the Clinton variety, would yield near 100 bushels per acre.

Orlan Ott, Hartley’s heavyweight boxing contender, knocked out Roberto Solomito in the second round of their scheduled 10-round fight at Sioux City. Ott appeared to be in fine physical condition and handled himself well during his brief appearance. There was talk that Ott might be matched against title contender Elmer (Violent) Ray.

An item that appeared in the Sentinel: “A typographical error caused some embarrassment to the office of the clerk of court at Anamosa. Included among the assets of an estate was the item, “One wicked love seat.”

• July 5, 1973

The city council voted to approve Sunday liquor sales in Hartley and granted licenses to L&L Café and Leisure Lanes. The O’Brien County Board of Supervisors, however, denied the Sunday sales license applications of Meadowbrook Country Club and the Paullina Golf and Country Club.

The fire department was called to stand by while the municipal light crew made necessary repairs after a tree fell across hot wires during a storm. It was necessary to interrupt electric service in part of Hartley while emergency measures were taken. Tree limbs were down throughout the community and some trees were damaged beyond saving.

A fund drive for the Hartley Boy Scouts was in progress for about two weeks. It was determined that from $10 to $15 was needed for each boy and adult registered in the scouting program. The total number registered in the Hartley Scout Council was 91.

• July 9, 1998

A small group of O’Brien County voters gave a big thumbs up to a new law enforcement center and jail. Nearly 72 percent of the 1,521 county residents voted in favor of the $3.7 million bond issue to finance the new facility. The vote was 1,094 in favor and 427 opposed. The combined vote for the City of Hartley, Hartley Township and Omega Township was 171-69 in favor.

Amy Bootsma, of Sanborn, was hired as a reserve officer for the Hartley Police Department. She was hired for $1 per year and $5.15 for each hour actually worked. Bootsma, a student in the criminal justice program at Iowa Lakes Community College, was riding with Hartley officers to accumulate the required 200 hours for her internship. She would only be utilized as a reserve officer when additional assistance would be beneficial to an on-duty officer or when an officer was out of town transporting a prisoner.

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