• March 11, 1948

Approximately $68,000 worth of farm machinery and livestock was sold at an auction at the Arnold W. Metz farm south of Hartley. An estimated 2,000 to 2,500 persons from as far away as 100 miles gave the Metz farm the appearance of a county fair.

In as thrilling fashion as anyone could imagine, Hartley narrowly missed victory in the final seconds of their fourth game at the girls’ state basketball tournament. In the final 15 seconds, June Sampson tried three consecutive shots, each one of which was a “heartbreaker,” in and out of the basket. The game ended 40-39 in favor of Slater, giving Hartley a fourth-place finish. (Note: The Slater team was coached by Andy Butt, father of long-time H-M-S coach Mark Butt.)

• March 8, 1973

The engineering firm of Kruse, Cate and Nelson presented the preliminary engineering report regarding a new water tower for Hartley. The proposal called for an elevated tank with a storage capacity of between 300,000 and 400,000 gallons. Several types of tanks were shown to the town council. Cost estimates varied between $170,000 and $200,000, depending on the size and type of tank desired.

Security State Bank pledged $3,000 to the fund drive for the new nursing wing addition at Community Memorial Hospital. The town council voted to donate $1,000 from the municipal utilities fund to the drive.

The Community Improvement Project Committee reviewed landscaping plans for the grounds at Hartley High School. Donations from groups and individuals would be used to finance the purchase of trees for the project.

• March 12, 1998

Y’Eltrah Club, GFWC held its annual short story contest. Winners were Anthony Bleeker, Mathew Boeve, Brent Keene, Andrew Klumpp and Leah Wallin. The fourth grade students read their stories at a meeting of the club, during which they were awarded their prizes.

Consumption reports for Hartley’s municipal utilities showed increased purchases of electricity and water during 1997, but a reduction in the amount of natural gas used. The report prepared by Superintendent of Public Works Bryan Gerritson also indicated that the utilities all had positive net income for the year. The electric utility’s net income was the largest ($131,720); however, that figure did not take into account transfers to make electrical revenue bond interest and principal payments.

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