1968: James Kathol is elected as new Grand Knight

June 26,1968

HARTINGTON — Hartington Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5283 received the Charles G. Klingman Memorial Award as the “Best all around” post in the state during 1967-68.

The award, along with several individual awards, was presented to the local post at the state VFW convention in Norfolk last weekend.

Individual awards went to Richard Thoene, Ralph Arens, Merlyn Weddingfeld, and Mr. and Mrs. Ed Fuchtman.

Thoene, Commander of the local post during the 1967-68 year, was selected All-State Post Commander and was awarded a new cap, diamond lapel pin and $50 in cash.

Half of the cash prize came from state and the other half from national.

Arens was named All-State Post Membership Chairman and received a ruby lapel pin. Weddingfeld was named All-State Quartermaster and also received a ruby lapel pin.

June 26,1968

HARTINGTON — James W. Kathol was elected Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus here at the annual election meeting held June 12. He succeeds Fritz Hochstein.

Other officers elected include: Alphonse Leise, deputy grand knight; Ignatius Steffen, chancellor; Don Schwartz, recorder; Gene Burbach, treasurer; Max W. Goetz, advocate; Gary McGregor, warden; Jerome Schulte, inside guard; Mark Schmidt, outside guard; Edmund Hochstein of Fordyce, trustee.

June 26,1968

HARTINGTON — Hartington Fire Department was called twice Saturday.

About 5:10 Saturday afternoon the fire department was called to the Francis Kleinschmit farm 2 miles north and 4 miles west of Hartington where hay was burning in a feed bunk. Fire Chief Jack Samelson said firemen arrived in time to limit the damage to about $50. Origin of the fire was not determined.

About 11 p.m. Saturday firemen were called to Wilkens Implement in Hartington. Wind had broken a high line wire causing the wire to short against other wires. No damage was caused from fire.