You don't have to look very far to find progress here in Hartley.

The new elementary school is nearing the finish line and construction of the Highway 18 Industrial Park has hummed right along this summer. Local history buffs are also enjoying the new barn that's being built at the Patch-Eeten House, and other vital community amenities like the Hartley Community Daycare Center have seen significant improvements recently. Outside city limits, construction of the new middle school in Sanborn will be exciting to follow in the coming months.

Still, more opportunities for progress and community bet...