1973: Congressman Thone helps dedicate new school building here
Oct. 24, 1973
HARTINGTON — Joe Kathol, son of Mrs. and Mrs. Clarence Kathol, was crowned the Cedar Catholic Homecoming King, while Janell Kathol, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hugo Kathol, was crowned the 1973 Homecoming Queen.
Oct. 24, 1973
HARTINGTON — Approximately 600 people attended the dedication ceremonies for the new Hartington Public School last Sunday and an estimated 300 more toured the new facility during the afternoon.
Congressman Charles Thone was the featured speaker at the event. Thone, a Hartington High School graduate, said, “among all the school facilities in the nation, this plant is among the most outstanding, among the most unique, among the most attractive and among those offering the best environment for encouraging learning.”
The Congressman said he felt great pride and pleasure in being asked to speak.
“No talk that I have ever given has been more important to me than this one,” he said. “It seems to me that it was an extremely wise decision to locate the new public school adjacent to the parochial schools. Being sideby- side, the two school sytems will be able to cooperate more and both systems will be strengthened.” Rep. Thone paid tribute to the Hartington administrators and board members, “for the great work they have done,” and quoted numerous graduates and administrators from Hartington High’s past.
Among those quoted were former Gov. Dwight Burney, class of 1919, Mrs. Darlene Day Brooks, a former Hartington teacher, who had married former Hartington Supt. and former Gov. Ralph Brooks in 1934; Mr. Lloyd Peterson, class of 1931, Mr. Gerald Kathol, class of 1939; Dr. Harold Packwood, Supt. from 1939-1941; Supt. Chet Carkoski, Supt. from 1941-1960; Dorthea Hudson Bek, Hartington teacher from 1935-41; Mr. Ivan Imes, Hartington Principal in 1941-42; Mrs. Gerald Seim, Hartington teacher from 1941-44; Mrs. Vernon Nedrow, Hartington teacher from 1944-67; Darold Bobier, coach from 1948-53; Dr. Rita Graham, teacher from 1949-53; Katherine Haley Keeley, class of 1950: Mr. Sidney Sweet, class of 1950; Mr. Arlo Wirth, former Board member; Rita Barnes Swick, class of 1970; Joni Eickhoff, class of 1972; and Leona Morten, class of 1973. Congressman Thone also thanked his mother, who was in the audience, for “inspiring me to work, study and work some more.”
Architect Don Mullins of Omaha received the key to the building from Tony Dendinger representing Radec Construction. Mullins then presented the key to School Board President Dr. Charles Vlach.
Dr. Vlach said he was, “proud to be part of such a fine community,” and congratulated administrators and all former board members.
Other invited guests who were introduced were: Hartington Mayor Maurice Kneifl; Wayne State College President Dr. Lyle Seymour; former Supt. Chet Carkoski; former Principal Max Irvin; former Supt. Harvin Oorlog.
Following the program, refreshments were served in the Commons area and tours were given of the new facility.