• Oct. 10, 1946

Lawrence Clark, superintendent of the municipal light and water plant, resigned his position here. He had accepted a similar position at Broken Bow, Neb. Mr. Clark had done much to develop the municipal plant during his tenure from early 1944. He also took an active part in civic affairs.

New uniforms were ordered for the 50 members of the Hartley school band. It was difficult to even make a guess as to when delivery would be made as there was a scarcity of materials. The uniforms cost in the neighborhood of $1,200.

All Hartley business firms that were directly affected by Wednesday night opening were to be polled by the Chamber of Commerce secretary. The O’Brien County Chamber of Commerce had recommended closing on all Wednesday evenings throughout the year. The local vote would determine Hartley’s position on the matter.

• Oct. 7, 1971

The Hartley fire department was called to the school bus barn on East Maple Drive to extinguish a fire in one of the buses. Estimated damage to the interior of the bus was between $500 and $1,000. It was discovered that the fire extinguishers in all four busses in the building had been emptied so vandalism and arson were suspected.

A full slate of candidates had filed for Hartley’s municipal offices. Candidates for the unexpired and regular term for mayor were Earl Norton and W.R. Vezina, Jr. Bruce Boyer, Donald Hansen and Merlyn Welch were candidates for two regular council terms while Steve Baumgarten and Peder Buck were running to fill a council vacancy.

A fall tornado struck without warning 11 miles south of Hartley, causing extensive damage. Though the tornado was described by insurance men as a rather small one, comparatively speaking, damage to buildings and personal property was estimated at $75,000. Damage to crops was expected to exceed that amount by several times.

• Oct. 3, 1996

The National Fire Safety Council presented a plaque recognizing the Hartley Fire Department for providing educational fire safety materials to Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Elementary students during Fire Prevention Week.

City council members approved a $2,500 forgivable loan to Jerry and Nancy Wittmus, who were negotiating the purchase of the bowling alley in Hartley. The Hartley Economic Development Corporation also approved a $2,500 loan which was forgivable in one year. The funds were to be used to clean up the bowling center prior to reopening.

Council members also discussed the amount that the city would pay toward development of the Morningside Estates Addition. Besides the utility extensions and street surfacing, the city was asked to consider paying 50 percent of the cost for the sanitary sewer, grading and curb and gutter.

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