• Dec. 19, 1946

While hunting in South Dakota, Ed Knaack shot a pheasant which was strictly out of the ordinary. On close examination it appeared to be a cross between a white leghorn chicken and a ring neck pheasant.

W.J. Linder tendered his resignation from the Hartley town council effective Dec. 31. He had been elected an O’Brien County supervisor. John P. Voss was appointed to fill Linder’s unexpired term.

In line with communities throughout this part of the country, the local gas company was forced during the severe cold weather to cut off service to its two biggest commercial customers, the Hartley Public School and the Hartley Creamery. Both had supplementary power systems to fall back on. The gas was turned on again when temperatures began to rise. The drastic measure would continue to be employed during severe cold spells.

• Dec, 16, 1971

Eight O’Brien County 4-H’ers were elected to serve on the 1972 4-H council. Among them was Greg Paulsen, of Hartley. The council planned most of the county 4-H activities. Bruce Hein, of Hartley, was a member of the 1971 county council.

Jim Henry, of television station KCAU in Sioux City and better known to children in the area as “The Canyon Kid,” acted as master of ceremonies during Santa Claus Day in Hartley.

Approximately 175 were in attendance at the annual Cub Scout Christmas potluck held at the elementary school. Den 4 presented the flag after which the meal was served by Den 3. Awards were then given, which included Bobcat pins to Kevin Twait, Scott Tanner and Steve Taylor. The Scouts all received a kit to be carved and made for the Space Derby scheduled to be held in March.

• Dec. 19, 1996

Hartley firemen were called to a garage fire at a residence on Central Avenue. The building and contents were severely damaged. The cause of the blaze had not been determined.

The jolly old elf from the North Pole paid his annual pre-Christmas visit to Hartley. In addition to having lunch with many local children, Santa also took down last-minute gift requests.

Seventy-eight units of blood were collected during the Red Cross bloodmobile’s visit. Jack Beck, of Hartley, reached a milestone as the pint he donated qualified him to receive a 10-gallon donation pin.

Holco Agri-Products, of Spencer, moved its office to the Holco Feed Company plant in Hartley. A portion of the space adjacent to the company’s Hartley feed mill was remodeled to accommodate the additional personnel.

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