By Lexi MoorePeople say nothing ever happens in small towns. Taking the time to look through the pages of the Crescent newspapers published in 2004 would prove that saying wrong.Headlines covered personal tragedies, city politics, the weather and local heroes. Before the history books are closed on 2004, the Crescent shares the following with its readers — a month-by-month review of the stories that shaped 2004:JanuaryA windmill construction update appeared in the Jan. 8 issue of the Crescent. Readers were given updates on the windmills north of Beaver Creek and east of Hills several times throughout 2004.On March 22, the Crescent reported that electricity was being generated from the windmills north of Beaver Creek. The library at Tuff Village was opened in January. Residents now have the opportunity to check out books and request books from the Rock County Public Library.FebruaryThe merger between Ellsworth State Bank and the Exchange State Bank in Hills made headlines in late February, although the agreement had been made in the final days of January. Bank officials said the combined operations would create a more efficient bank and increase the number of services offered.MarchBeaver Creek resident Lloyd DeBoer was honored in the March 18 issue for having served 30 years as a Beaver Creek city employee."I treat everybody like family; if I can help somebody I try to help them." DeBoer said when interviewed last March.There is no doubt that his tireless efforts will still be visible throughout 2005.April"Cuts won’t solve shortfall indefinitely" was the Crescent headline on April 29. The story detailed budget woes felt by the Hills-Beaver Creek School Board. Decreased spending was reported in several areas including office supplies, substitute teacher salaries, staff development, computer budget, office personnel and an increase in the cost of school lunches.MayIn May it was reported that Capt. Charles Erickson, son of Wendell and Kathryn Erickson, Hills, was awarded a bronze star at an awards ceremony on May 2 at the Reserve Training Center in Arden Hills. Erickson was honored for his "exceptionally meritorious service" while serving his country in Afghanistan.JuneJune brought the closing of a Hills business. The Hills Home Center was reported to be closing at the end of June.The hardware store owned by Jeff and Missy Bass had been a part of downtown Main Street in Hills since 2000.The city council began discussions on how it would use its new mosquito sprayer.JulyThe Hills City Council had a busy month in July. At the July 13 meeting Councilman Arlen Leenderts submitted a handwritten letter of resignation.The city maintenance manager began flushing the city’s water pipes in July. The Council decided flushing would help eliminate the murky water residents had been complaining about. Unfortunately the water problems would persist throughout the remainder of the year.August"A violent storm thundered through Beaver Creek Tuesday packing wind speeds of 80 mph at times. The storm dropped two inches of rain in less than 30 minutes," Crescent reported Aug. 5.Residents in Hills, Beaver Creek and Steen lost power shortly after the storm ended. The Crescent pages were filled with photos of damaged property. The following week’s paper focused on the clean-up efforts being made by volunteers.SeptemberSeptember introduced the Hills-Beaver Creek taxpayers to the proposed levy increase. The proposed 10-year tax increase was discussed at the school board meeting in September and would help alleviate the budget shortfalls felt in 2004.Travis Broesder and Melinda Feucht were crowned H-BC king and queen in a coronation ceremony. Their picture appeared in the Sept. 30 issue of the Crescent.OctoberAs October came to an end, Crescent Editor Joleen Farley announced her plans to leave her position at the paper. Her final column, "Roaming the Hills," was published on Oct. 28.NovemberA high voter turnout approved the Hills-Beaver Creek proposed operating levy referendum. There were 572 votes cast in favor of the referendum and 447 against.By passing the referendum residents gave the H-BC school district approximately $199,875 extra per year to work with for the next ten years.Small communities see few tragedies in a year, but when they happen everyone is affected. The second weekend in November was a time of mourning for many in Rock County.Sat. Nov. 6 seven-year-old Josie Dilly was killed instantly when the tractor she was riding in with her uncle collided with a train at the New Vision Elevator north of Hills. Jonathan Pap, her uncle, survived with minor injuries.DecemberActs of charity filled the pages of the Crescent through December. It is not possible to say that one charitable act was more important than another.The youth groups donated their time to help bring joy and decorations to the Tuff Home. Doris Blom, Luverne, donated her used van to the Hills-Beaver Creek School District. Catherine Fiske, Hills, spent months making blankets for needy children at the Sioux Falls Center of Hope. All of these deserve to be recognized in the paper and remembered throughout 2005.