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May 18, 1961
HARTINGTON — Claude and Albert Israelson of Hartington were killed Tuesday afternoon when a posthole digger and pipe extension came in contact with a 69,000 volt power line.
The accident occurred one mile east of the Hartington Rendering Company plant about 2:10 p.m.
It was believed they were digging a well and had raised the drill out of the hole.
Claude Israelson is survived by a wife and two daughters, the youngest who was to graduate Tuesday evening. Albert Israelson was unmarried.
Their bodies were found by Thomas Zeinens who went to investigate when power service was cut off because of the short circuit.
May 18, 1961
HARTINGTON — Robbers struck again at Cedar County farm homes last week.
The Earl Opef farm home north of Hartington and Jim Sutherland farm home north of Laurel were burglarized Saturday night.
A heavy rain wiped out any tire tracks that might have been left.
Mr. and Mrs. Opef came to Hartington about 8:30 Saturday night. Upon returning at 10:15 they found their house had been ransacked and robbed. Sheriff Riibe was notified and he went to the Opef farm immediately. Listed as stolen were the following: A G. E. mixer; a Sunbeam electric shaver; two Elgin watches; an electric radio; box containing arm papers, insurance policies and about $30; 250 rounds of .22 wrapped in pink paper and beef wrapped in white paper; two gallon cans of gas; one 5-gallon can of oil and some gas from a gas tank to fill a car. The meat was taken from a deep freezer.
While Sheriff Riibe was at the Opef farm his office was notified of the robbery at the Sutherland place. The Sutherlands returned from town and found their house had been ransacked and robbed. The following items were taken: An electric fry pan; an electric toaster; a Sunbeam coffee pot; frying pan and lid; two pair of striped overalls; 1847 Rogers Brothers silverware service for 8; four loaves of bread; one can of Crisco; three towels; camera film; assorted goods; two flashlights and a can of coffee.
Neither house was locked. Both families were away from their homes about the same time. It is thought that the same person or persons committed both robberies.
Sheriff Riibe said the theft at the Opef farm probably took place first.
The Opef farm is about 2 1/2 miles north of the fairgrounds and the Sutherlands are three north of Laurel.
Two farm houses southeast of Coleridge were robbed last month.
May 18, 1961
HARTINGTON — Miss Helen Dreesen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Florence Dreesen, was announced as valedictorian of the 1961 Hartington Public High School graduating class at commencement exercises Tuesday evening in the city auditorium.
Miss Carol Preitauer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Al Preitauer, was named salutatorian.
Miss Dreesen will have her choice of a teachers college or church college scholarship. Miss Preitauer will receive the other. one.
