Hartley County Celebrated 100 Years in Courthouse

March 9, 2006; hartley cmsuser

On October 3, 2006, Hartley County celebrated one hundred years in the county courthouse in Channing.  The celebration  was a day long event filled with memories and old friends.  County employees gave courthouse tours and shared courthouse history with 130 students from local schools.  Students participated in a scavenger hunt of history facts found throughout the courthouse and enjoyed a presentation by  Deputy Chanze Fowler and K9 Deputy AEllie@.   The presentation consisted of a Aluggage run@ training session to sniff for contraband and an exhibition of various obedience skills. 

However, the fun did not end there.  Free barbecue was served by the County Commissioners= , Hartley County Sheriff, Sheriff  Deputy Hooks, and Hartley County 4-H members  to an estimated 350 people.  Musical entertainment was provided by the Burson family and was enjoyed by all.  Old friends had a wonderful time of fellowship and memories were thick in the air along with three hundred and twenty red, white and blue balloons which were released by local children. 

Chris Jones of Amarillo, owner of the Serenity hot air balloon and his crew of five made an appearance, however,  due to the persistent Panhandle wind they were unable to launch the balloon.  The crew did perform a Aglow@, or ground inflation, of the balloon which was of course a sight for all to see. 

Patricia Kirkeminde was honored for serving as chair person of the Hartley County  Historical Commission for twenty two years.  Kirkeminde has spent countless hours studying the history and census records of Hartley County.  She is also responsible for many of the historical markers throughout Channing and is a wealth of local information.  She along with her husband Bill renovated the XIT General Offices which are located on the north end of Main Street in Channing.   Patricia  was presented with an array of flowers given to her by her children and a rocking chair which was given to her by the Hartley County employees and the Hartley County Historical Commission.

Many individuals and businesses donated and contributed to this event and Hartley County would like to extend its most sincere thanks to all who assisted with and attended this memorable occasion. 

 

Written by Shane Turner, Hartley County Attorney

      Holley Davis, Administrative Assistant