Back-to-school is an optimal time for parents and caregivers to re-educate themselves about child passenger safety.In Minnesota, three out of every four child restraints are used incorrectly, and many parents are unaware of the steps a child should progress through as they grow: rear-facing infant seats, forward-facing toddler seats, booster seats, and seat belts. The most commonly ignored restraint is a booster seat — seat lifts that help seat belts fit children properly. Poor seat belt fit can contribute to serious injury, ejection and death of a child in a crash. In Minnesota, only 30 percent of 4- to 8-year-olds use boosters which are recommended for all children 4–8 years old and under 4 feet, 9 inches.It’s also critical the proper restraint for a child’s age and size is installed correctly. Restraints should be secured tight and not shift more than an inch laterally or away from vehicle’s seat. It is also necessary for the restraint’s harness to fit snug on the child — so the harness material at the shoulders cannot be pinched.We encourage Minnesota parents to learn about child restraints by visiting www.buckleupkids.state.mn.us online — a little knowledge truly might mean life or death.Lastly, parents and caregivers are the most important role models to their children. Always demonstrate the importance of seat belts by buckling up — every seat, every ride.Diane BoyengaChild Passenger Safety TechnicianNobles Rock Community Health Services

A Veteran’s TakeScattered Thoughts Part IBy Curtis HendelRecently, I had the opportunity to be sitting on a lake on a Friday night that was unusually quiet and beautiful. We had gone there for a short time to get away from the world, and after an especially hectic week both of us really needed it. At this point in time my brain had shut down for the first time in a long while, and I just stared into the distance over the quiet lake. I noticed everything: the fish jumping to get some supper, the pelican floating on the water, and the tree line on the far shore.The serenity lasted about ten minutes, and then I started to wonder about everything bad going on in the world. I also wondered how it could be that I was one of the fortunate ones living in safety and comfort back in the States while so many of our loved ones are fighting a war overseas for our very survival as a country. I also felt an odd sense of guilt for the fact that I had served my time in the military during relative peace and had been stateside for the first Gulf War. Overall I had an immense sense of appreciation for my place in the world on that night.The fifth anniversary of the heinous attacks on our nation of Sept. 11 is right around the corner. That was a day that we will all remember in our own way in our own minds. It is strange how it seems like those attacks were yesterday, and, on the other hand, it seems as though they were years in the past. Funny how time can twist memories and send human emotions in a spiral.We have been through a lot as a nation in five years, and the state of war is wearing on us even though it touches few of us personally. There is no rationing of items or scrap steel drives that there had been in the past and, most importantly, no military draft. Most of us are just living our lives as we did before the attack and our cares are more for ourselves than for others.There are members of our community with loved ones in the combat zone or serving in the military. They are the ones that can feel the burden of this war more than anyone other than the service members themselves. They and their soldier, sailor, airman or Marine are following in the footsteps of other great Americans that have marched off to war in so many armed conflicts throughout our history.The War on Terror is relatively new to us; we have been at war for just short of five years. Our enemy, though, has been at war with us for a much longer time frame. We entered their sights decades ago, and war declared on us has obsessed them ever since. To Be Continued

I do not ask for help very often. Theoretically, I understand the value of receiving help from those around me, but when it comes down to it — I would rather figure things out on my own.Unfortunately, I have landed myself in a situation that requires TONS of help and I am learning to accept it. While working on growing a healthy baby, I have to get advice and assistance from my doctor, my husband and many friends and family members. At first I was very reluctant to let these people help me, but I am getting better.Now comes the time when I have to broadcast my need for help to a larger audience, and doing so makes me a bit sad. I guess I am jumping ahead of myself.In just over a month, Oct. 6 to be exact, I am to deliver a baby into the world. Its arrival will be welcomed with open arms, but should cause a BIG disturbance in my life, especially with my job at the paper.For the first couple of weeks in October I don’t plan on doing any work for the Crescent. I want to stare into the face of the baby, bonding and loving it every minute of the day. But the newspaper business does not take a break for new mothers. Readers will still be looking for their papers on Thursdays and will not want the quality to suffer just because I had a baby.Even after the first couple of weeks, I will be working in a limited capacity until Thanksgiving. I will still take some photos, write a couple of columns and attend meetings. But largely I will be taking an editorial break.When asked by my boss how I planned to handle the situation, I only had one idea. I figure I can rely on those who read the paper to become those who write the paper.Basically, this fall I need your help. I am calling on those who live in the Hills, Beaver Creek and Steen area to be the eyes and ears of the Crescent for a couple of months.If you attend a program at the school with your camera in tow or see something interesting happening at the park, send those pictures to Lori Ehde at editor@star-herald.com. She will make sure everything is spelled correctly and that you get credit in the paper. If photography isn’t your thing, maybe you can write an article for the paper. You do not have to be a trained journalist, just an informed citizen. The folks that work at the paper will make sure things read well and that you are not embarrassed by a grammatical error.I don’t want the paper to suffer while I am gone, so please help make the pages as entertaining and informative as possible during my absence.Of course, Brian, Nancy Glenda and John will all still be hammering away at their columns and sports stories. But that front page will be missing something if it doesn’t have photos and stories of the people in the area.If you have questions or ideas about stories or photo opportunities, even during my leave, do not hesitate to call. I see my work at the Crescent as more than a job – it is a privilege and one I do not take for granted.I recommend that readers take advantage of this chance to produce the pages of the paper. There has never been an easier way to determine what is in the local paper than by submitting it yourself.Story ideas or comments can be e-mailed to Lexi Moore at lexim@star-herald.com or called in at 962-3561.

10 years ago (1996)"H-BC senior Sara Walraven and junior Dean Fick will represent Hills-Beaver Creek in cross country this year.The two Patriots will join a group of about 16 Luverne runners. The two schools have had a cooperation program in the sport for the last few years. This year, the program is being run through the Luverne athletic department." 25 years ago (1981)"The final enrollment for the 1981-82 school year at H-BC was announced this week and it shows a total of 437 students attending grades K through 12 at the schools."50 years ago (1956)"A deal was completed last Friday in which the Blue Ribbon Hatchery and Produce of Hills, became the owners of the Kerschbergen Produce Co. at Luverne. They took possession as of Saturday and are presently operating the plant."75 years ago (1931)"The star horseshoe players in Hills — Hans Nerison, John Aardema, Shorty Hixon, L. Tague, Henry Vredevold, Ed Nyhoff, and Nels Kolsrud, autoed to Larchwood last Tuesday evening to participate in a tournament between Larchwood, Inwood and Hills. Larchwood and Inwood played off the final game, but the players had to quit on account of darkness."100 years ago (1906)"The vacancy caused by the resignation of K.O. Rue as grain buyer for E.A. Brown will be filled by Otto Nelson who for the past four years has been head salesman in Olaf Skyberg’s store. Mr. Nelson is a young man of exemplar habit, honest and industrious, and with a little experience will make a good buyer."

George Ohmer Thompson, 81, Wilmington, N.C., formerly of Hills, died Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2006, at the Hospice Care Center.Memorial services were Saturday, Aug. 25, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills. Burial of his cremains was at Bethlehem Cemetery in Hills.George Thompson was born May 27, 1925, in Mankato to Oscar and Clara (Qually) Thompson. During World War II he was in the U.S. Navy stationed in the Pacific. He lived in Chicago, Ill., and Santa Barbara, Calif. He visited Hills often.Survivors include his wife and six children.(Mr. Thompson’s mother was affectionately known as Clara Q. In those years there were several Claras in our community and to distinguish them they were called by their maiden names, Clara Qualley, or the first name of their husband, namely Clara Art, Clara Bennie and Clara Emil.)

Rosalyn "Rose" Schroeder, 56, Beaver Creek, died Thursday, Aug. 24, at Luverne Hospice Cottage in Luverne from cancer.Memorial services were Monday, Aug. 28, 2006, at First Reformed Church in Rock Rapids, Iowa. The Revs. Dan Haggar and Katie Van Veldhuizen officiated. Burial was in Beaver Creek Cemetery at Beaver Creek.Rosalyn Abbink was born to Gerrit and Fannie (Pronk) Abbink on June 12, 1950, at Luverne. She grew up on the family farm south of Edgerton. She graduated from Southwest Christian School in Edgerton in 1968. She graduated from St. Luke’s Nurses Training in Sioux City, Iowa, in June 1971,She married LeRoy Schroeder on July 31, 1971, in Edgerton. They lived in St. Paul for a year and then moved to Beaver Creek. She worked as a nurse for Tuff Memorial Home and Palisades Manor for more than 25 years.Mrs. Schroeder was a member of the Joy Circle at First Reformed Church in Rock Rapids. She enjoyed going for rides in the country, socializing, bird and squirrel watching and taking pictures. She also enjoyed attending her children’s school and church events. Survivors include her husband, LeRoy Schroeder, Beaver Creek; two children, Leslie Schroeder, Sioux Falls, Lisa (Tim) Kauk, Watertown, S.D.; her father, Gerrit Abbink, Pipestone; one brother, Ron (Gail) Abbink, Watertown; two nephews; one niece; along with many uncles, aunts and cousins. Mrs. Schroeder was preceded in death by her mother. Roste Funeral Home, Hills, was in charge of arrangements. A complete obituary and online registry is available at: www.rostefuneralhome.com

Memorial services for Susan Johnson will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, at Brandon Valley Baptist Church in Brandon, S.D.Susan (VanMalsen) Johnson, 57, Humboldt, S.D., formerly of Hills, died Saturday, Aug. 26, 2006, at Sioux Valley Hospice Cottage from cancer.Susan Van Malsen was the daughter of John and Jeanne VanMalsen of Hills. Survivors include her husband, Bob Johnson, Humboldt; her parents, John and Jeanne VanMalsen, Hills; one son, Chad Peterson, Buffalo, N.Y.; one daughter, Christi Godeaux, Welch, La., one granddaughter, Samantha; two brothers, Kevin and Gary VanMalsen, Hills; two sisters, Barbara Peterson, Halton, N.D., and Cheryl Matthews, Delano; and many nieces and nephews. Iverson-Siecke Funeral Home, Vermillion, S.D., is in charge of arrangements.

Daryl and Jane (Sandager) Schubert and children moved to Madison, S.D., last Saturday where he will be the pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Madison. Previously they served at a mission station in Tanzania for six years.Richard Boe, brother-in-law of Marge Roning, her nephew, Greg Boe, both of Yankton, S.D., and nephew Randy Boe, Viborg, S.D., visited last Thursday in the home of Jim and Marg Roning.Alicia Sandager of New York City, N.Y., received a grant to study the arts in Greece. She spent several days there. Her father, Mark Sandager, accompanied her on the trip and the study. Carole Lonkey, Brooklyn Center, spent from Wednesday until Saturday visiting in the home of her mother, Martha Lindrud. Don and Edyth Briggs went to Prairie Village near Madison, S.D., on Sunday where Don played in the band giving a 45-minute concert. Lorraine Wiese accompanied them. In the afternoon they attended a social at the Wallace Johnson home at the lake. Jean Smith of Pennsylvania came Thursday to spend until Sunday with her mother, Mary Carter, and also spent a couple of days with her sister, Marilyn Metzger in Sioux Falls, S.D. Ray and Lois Nelson traveled to Brookings, S.D., Saturday to attend Lois’s high school class reunion. They returned home Sunday. Melvin and Violet Hecht’s children and grandchildren and their families gathered with them Saturday at the home of Sharon Rossow to celebrate Melvin’s birthday. Melvin turns 80 on Aug. 31. Mark, Karen and Fran Sandager visited the Daryl Schubert family Sunday in Madison.Wendell and Kathryn Erickson spent from Friday night until Monday in the Cities visiting their children. They attended the Minnesota State Fair on Saturday. Charles, their son, went to the Minneapolis airport at 5 a.m. Monday to take his flight returning him to duties in Iraq after a two-week visit with home folks.

The dog days of summer — who ever coined that phrase? They must not have had a real great grip on reality.I’m sure for many of you, myself included, you’ve looked at the calendar and scratched your head and wondered where has the summer gone? There’s been nothing doggy about this summer. It seems like yesterday that we were flying our flags for Memorial Day and now here comes Labor Day. I sure hope, even though the summer flew by, that you had a chance to enjoy it and that you are looking forward with eager anticipation to the fall!Last week was sure a busy week in Steen. Area residents spent countless hours setting up for the Carnival which took place Wednesday night. Nearly 700 people showed up in Steen to check out the fun, food and games. The night’s activities included a special hog roast done by Harvey Rozeboom, train rides for all ages, pony rides, laser tag, paintball, jump tent and slide, a 70-foot maze that you had to see to believe, cake walks, ring toss, dart games, horse shoes, a three-on-three basketball tournament and so much more. There was something for everyone and everyone had a great time. We had beautiful weather for the event and are looking forward to next year.A big thank you to everyone who came and participated and to more than 100 volunteers who made this event possible.Sunday evening the Steen Reformed Church held their outdoor service behind the church. The Steen RCYF hosted a supper. The menu consisted of pork sandwiches, hotdogs, pork and beans, chips, lettuce salad and drink. The evening was beautiful and the message was appropriately taken from Psalm 8.This upcoming weekend we would like to invite you all to come out to Steen for the Labor Day Tournament at the Steen Ball Field. The tournament will start at 7 p.m. Saturday evening with two games and continue at 9 a.m. Monday with games all day. Teams from around the area will be participating, including Northwest Iowa, Hills Town, Luverne, Hardwick, Ellsworth and many more. Bring your family and enjoy great food and great fast pitch softball. We apologize that the tournament schedule is not yet done.Also coming up this weekend is Life Light, a free Christian music event in Sioux Falls at the Wild Water West Park. Nearly a half million people show up for this event every year to enjoy live music from their favorite Christian artists. This year will be no different with groups coming in from all over the world. If you wish to see this year’s schedule, you can go to lifelightfest.com.Another Labor Day event that several Steen folks will be attending is the Family Bible Conference in Lake Okoboji. Featured speaker this year is Dr. William Brownson. He is a well-known radio and television minister for Words of Hope. His Light will also be leading in worship.In other news Lin and Mary Jo Susie’s reroofing project was completed last week just in time for the few weekend showers. John and Jane Bosch are also having their roof shingled. Their grandson-in-law Cory Meinerts is the foreman for the job. Those that have been helping include Alan and Vonnie Baker and Clint Roozenboom. They hope to have the project completed by Monday.Mildred Keunen is also having some work done to her home. This Wednesday she is having new carpet installed in her kitchen. Mike Bonnema and Brian Dengler helped move out all the kitchen appliances and rip out the old carpet.This past Thursday noon, Pastor Dan and Karen Ramaker were honored at a special Senior Center luncheon. More than seventy people were in attendance including many Steen Reformed members and faithful radio listeners.This past weekend Erin Boeve, an all-star volleyball player for Iowa State, participated with her teammates in a tournament in Carver arena. Iowa State won their own tournament and Erin was named to the all tournament team. She received a Nike watch. This Thursday they will be headed to California.In Hospital News:Monday June Beyenhof underwent knee surgery. She hopes to return home later this week.Dallas Kroon, son of Jason Kroon of rural Steen, was taken by ambulance last Wednesday evening after tripping at the Carnival and hurting his shoulder. He chipped his rotor cuff in his right shoulder and will have to be in a sling for two weeks.That concludes the news for this week. Have a great Labor Day weekend and until then keep on smiling! If you have anything that you would like placed in the Steen News, please contact Brian Dengler @ 855-2232 or by e-mail @ knowgrowshow@hotmail.com. God Bless.