By Lexi MooreAs my pregnant belly has really started to extend beyond the normal confines of a waistline, I have noticed that I have unofficially been welcomed into a new club. It’s one I didn’t even know existed.This club doesn’t have annual fees, meetings or even a name, but it is easy to tell when you are a member.I have been suspicious about a possible membership for sometime now, but it was solidified during several recent experiences.Club membership depends on one thing and one thing alone: being pregnant. Social class, appearance or education have no bearing on getting into the club. Simply going about your daily life with a larger-than-normal-looking basketball in your belly gives you the right to participate in the rituals and conversations of members.It seems everywhere I go, members approach me to talk the membership talk. They want to know when the baby is due, what the gender is, where I shop, how I am feeling, am I hating all the heat, are my feet swollen, am I taking vitamins, who is my doctor and on and on and on.I don’t mind interacting with strangers. There are times when I even enjoy a random chat while in line at the store, but this new club is starting to wear me out. Some of the questions, which I was kind enough not to include in the above list, haven’t even been asked by my doctor. In fact, I probably won’t even discuss them with him if he did ask.In addition to questions, my new club friends seem to think I might be interested in their stories. They offer tales of childbirth, none of which make for good conversation while ordering food at a fast food counter.I have several reference books offering advice for this life-changing event, but none of them include strategies for how to politely exit uncomfortable conversations with women I do not know.Last weekend at my 10-year high school reunion (a horrifying experience in and of itself), a woman I hadn’t seen in 11 years asked to feel my belly. I obliged, expecting the usual tap or quick rub. After all, I get about three of those a day. But this woman all but molested my unborn child. She was telling me where a foot was, how the head was turned and so on.I stood there, trying not to look annoyed, but honestly, I was. My little unborn baby has been camping inside my midsection for over six months, so I am pretty aware by this point where the feet are at any given time. Especially since they are often jabbing me in my ribs or bouncing on my bladder.I guess the three children she has given birth to give her a high status within the club and permission to make all us first timers feel weird.Just this past weekend I had my biggest taste of how large this club has become. I ventured to Denver to watch a rock-and-roll show at the Red Rock Amphitheater in Golden, Colo. The theater holds thousands of people, many of whom are members of the club.As one of a handful of pregnant ladies in attendance, I got plenty of attention from the crowd and I received a big perk for being a new member.As I approached a rather long line in the ladies’ bathroom, heads began to turn. At first I thought they were all going to lecture me on the dangers of being out on the side of a mountain while seven months pregnant in near 100-degree heat at a rock show. But I was wrong. As club members they recognized how I might really need to use a bathroom, so they quickly let me move to the front of the line.Throughout the show I happily answered the questions, was given plenty of room to dance by those around (apparently people do not want to crowd a big bouncing belly) and received a heaping helping of respect from members of the club. After all, it was very hot, I was on the side of a mountain, the music was loud, my back did feel a bit like it might break into three separate pieces, and yet I had a giant smile on my face and was having the time of my life.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)"Firefighters were called to the Hoyme farm last Thursday, when an old barn caught fire. The Hoymes were working with a controlled fire nearby when hot ashes carried over and ignited the barn. Firefighters had the fire contained in a matter of minutes."25 years ago (1981)"At the second regular meeting held last Monday, the board of education decided to stay with their contract offer made last June 22.The offer raises the BA base from $10,000 to $11,700 for the first year of the contract and to $13,300 the second year."50 years ago (1956)"The Fikse Produce Co. will hold an open house next Saturday, as they show their newly added egg cooler and other equipment, along with an observation of their 15th year in business in Hills. …The Fikse Produce, as it is known, has a sort of true American history in a small way and has steadily grown to one of our larger businesses in Hills over the 15-year period, boasting buildings that are very modern and well kept in every respect." 75 years ago (1931)"Miss Cynthia Sundal was honor guest at a luncheon last Thursday afternoon, given by Miss Carola Nash at her home. The afternoon was spent in hemming and embroidering dish towels which were later presented to Miss Cynthia.Little pink and white place cards told of the engagement of Miss Cynthia Sundal to Ralph Dickman, formerly of this place, but now living in Minneapolis."100 years ago (1906)"Hills is still receiving compliments on her recent 4th of July celebration. Next year we will help Beaver Creek pull the eagle’s tail and in two years we will be on hand again with a celebration larger and grander than ever. In case that Luverne celebrates in 1908 and our people feel that she has anything coming, our next celebration may be put off until 1909."

There is no feeling in the world like being part of a team. A group of people with a common interest can become as tightly knit as a family. That is what I have experienced with my years with the Sioux Falls Water Ski Club. Fourteen years ago I joined this club with my daughter and niece as a summer activity that sounded like fun.This club is a show team of water ski enthusiasts who promote the sport, have a water-based summer camp for kids and put on ski shows for the public. A non-profit corporation, we purchased a gravel borrow pit west of Cliff Avenue in Sioux Falls that was created when Interstate 90 was raised and transformed it into a water ski park. It is now known as Catfish Bay, named after the bay we skied in my first year with the club at Lake Madison. "The Greatest Show on H2O" performed by the club every Friday night during the summer at Catfish Bay is one hundred percent volunteer run, coordinated and produced. We compete every year in the Midwest Regional Show Ski Tournament held various places and have done as well as second place. We competed at the national level just once a few years back and were ranked seventh. Not bad for Sioux Falls, South Dakota.I have given my time to practically every position in the club and I cannot say that even one minute was wasted.My first years on the team were spent as a skier. Water skiing taught me that falling is just part of life. You just gather up your gear, get back on the dock and try again. I learned that not practicing and not doing your best could let down an entire team. I also discovered that if you never fall, you are not attempting to learn anything new. I have met the nicest people; folks who may have never crossed my life’s path if it were not for this team. I have made many dear friends. These persons have enriched my life and I am a better human being for knowing them.I would be mistaken in claiming that it has all been good. I have come across dishonest people, those with no scruples and several that think "team" is all about "me." I have met parents of skiers who make legend parents of beauty pageant teens look meek. I have learned from each of them lessons that you can only learn by exposure to them. I have watched 19 members of this club improve their skills enough to move on to the ranks of professional show skiers. They ski with Sea World, Tommy Bartlett and other organizations as far away as Japan. It is similar to a baseball player from the minor league being called up to the big show. It has been my privilege to witness their growth, and I would like to think that they, at some time, learned something from me.My water skiing activities have gotten me a total of 17 stitches, one knee surgery, and several funny mishaps. I was known as "don’t rock the boat Nancy" for quite some time after losing my balance while pulling in ropes and falling out of the twin-engine boat. Not a big deal in itself except for the fact that my leg was in a full-length cast, it was in the middle of a show, I had no life jacket on, and we were behind the main dock in full view of the entire team. My screams attracted everyone’s attention as my leg became an instant anchor and I struggled mightily to keep my head above water. There might have been a bit of cussing, too, but I don’t exactly recall, as I was fighting to keep from drowning. My boat driver was laughing so hard he could barely get out of his seat to help me. I survived with barely a shred of my dignity intact, but in a few years it was all forgotten.I love being part of a club. There are more benefits than there may seem.Closing the gate is an easier task when you do it as part of the team. Story ideas or comments can be e-mailed to Nancy at Nancy861@msn.com or please call me at 962-3411.

A Steen Air Show? This was the question that plagued many Thursday evening as several people pulled back from their supper tables to see what all the commotion was about. A little yellow crop duster from Montana was spraying Harlin Rozeboom’s soybean field to the north of Steen. It was quite the sight watching this little airplane swirling and twirling over the top of Steen.This week crews continued to work on the Steen city sidewalk project. Even amidst the heat they were hard at it. The majority of the project is now complete. There is a small amount of sidewalk to be laid in the Steen Park and then it will be complete.Friday and Saturday, Kenigator Tree Service from Rushmore removed four large trees from the city park and trimmed several others. The city plans on putting in a fence along the south end of the park and planting a few new trees to replace the old ones. Several Steen councilmen and Steen residents pitched in to help with the cleanup. It was a great improvement.Saturday evening at the Steen Reformed Church, David Top and Shanna Tilstra were united in marriage. It was a very large and beautiful wedding. We wish David and Shanna Top the very best as they begin their life together. They will be making their home in Hills.This coming weekend there will be another wedding at the Steen Church. Susan Fick and Nathan Buller will be married. We want to wish them the very best as well.This week Pastor Dan and Karen Ramaker are on vacation. They traveled to Wisconsin, where they are spending time with family and close friends. On Sunday the Oosberg First Reformed Church celebrated their 100th anniversary. Pastor Dan and his wife were a part of that celebration. They return home on Aug. 9.Also vacationing this week are Brad and Linda Bosch, who are on a cruise to Alaska with Linda’s mom, Henrietta Bajema.This coming Sunday at 7 p.m. there will be a special presentation at the Steen Reformed Church by those who attended the mission trip to Louisiana. The community is welcome to attend and hear about their experiences.Sunday evening Bert Den Herder was the guest pastor at the Steen Reformed Church. Following the service Bert and his wife, Clara, were guests for tea at the Mildred Keunen home along with Malena Boeve. Bert was the pastor of Christian Reformed Church in Luverne for a number of years and also helps out with the Dutch hymn-sing at the local nursing homes.Sunday evening Harvey and Gert Rozeboom were coffee guests at the Pete and Jane DeBoer residence.Sunday morning "In His Service" quartet graced Luverne CRC with their gifts of music. After the service they were dinner guests at the Andy Steensma home.Tuesday afternoon several Steen ladies gathered at Winnie Scholten’s home to play cards and do a little laughing. Present were Winnie Scholten, Malena Boeve, Anna Schouwenburg, Verla Baker, Joan Hoogeveen and Henrietta Huenink.Thursday morning Mildred Keunen was a guest at the Denglers for coffee and birthday cake. They enjoyed the beautiful morning out on the patio.In Sporting News:The Steen softball team played Ellsworth on Tuesday evening, and my sources tell me that they are pretty sure it was a win for the Steen team. So we’ll leave it at that.Friday evening the players had the evening off, but this week they are back in full swing. Tuesday they play Hardwick and on Friday they play against Hills Town in Steen. A reminder to all of you that if you just don’t feel like cooking Friday night and you want an excuse to get out of the house, come on down to the Steen ball field and have supper. A few dollars go a long way toward a great ball park meal; hot dogs, chili dogs, chips, pop, popcorn, ice cream and much more. It’s sure to make your taste buds dance!A reminder that coming up Aug. 14-18 there will be the Steen Back-to-School Yard Sale. Get your kids ready to go back to school by coming out and checking out the great buys. All purchases are $.25 and lower. If you wish to donate any used or new clothing items, toys or school supplies, all donations can be dropped off at Steen Reformed Church, or you can contact Brian at 507-855-2336 ext 12. That’s all for this week. Make sure to stay cool. If you have any news you would like to have placed in the Steen news, please contact Brian at 855-2232 or at knowgrowshow@hotmail.com. Blessings!

10 years ago (1996)
The Blue Mounds State Park took a major step toward improving and preserving the park’s natural prairie system last month when David Breyfogle began working as the park’s prairie resource specialist.
A utility study could mean that electric rates will be reduced for some in Luverne.
Wall Street Motor is opening in Jasper.25 years ago (1981)
New teachers in the Luverne School District will be paid more than ever this fall, after school board members signed their end of the contract. For the first year teachers with a Bachelor of Arts Degree will receive $12,300 for the 1981-82 school year, topping at $19,602 for 13 years experience.50 years ago (1956)
John Piepgras pulled Marcella Kooiman from the deep end of the pool when it appeared she was drowning. A new resident to Luverne, Pat Kellogg, was credited with breathing life into the 14-year-old girl, who had stopped breathing.
The Luverne Co-operative Creamery is now accepting whole milk for processing after installing new equipment to handle it.
An urgent plea was issued to the public yesterday to stay out of the new Luverne high school building until an official opening. Building superintendent Donald Jones said the public is actually doing damage by snooping on the project. Walls have had to be repainted and the floors have had to be rewaxed four times because people are not paying attention to signs asking them not to trespass. 75 years ago (1931)
Country schools in Rock County graduated 103 students in the 20th annual exercises, which were held in the Luverne School Auditorium.
The annual term of naturalization court received 18 petitions for citizenship. Those who seek naturalization papers are Alma Niemann, Gerhard Janssen, Adolf Zeising, Rudolf Lohmann, Britha Husebo, Jacobus Biesterbos, Ludvig Konsmo, Aalbert Samuels, Ole Kvaas, Herman Muller, Albert Wassink, Mary Wassink, Fritz Meyer, Julius Nath, Herman Van Engelenhoven, Diedrich Brunken, Alfred Wiese and Margaret Van Dyk.100 years ago (1906)
A stalk of corn measuring eight feet and four inches, fully tasseled and bearing two well developed ears, was exhibited Monday by O.P. Huntington at the First National Bank. The stalk was cut by Mr. Huntington from a field at the outskirts of the city and was a good sample of the average stand.
Members of the fire department are now in communication with a number of carnival companies, including the Cosmopolitan company, which exhibited here, in an effort to secure a good company for a six days’ carnival in the latter part of September.

By Sara QuamThe city of Luverne is outlining its next five years of major capital expenditures to be included in annual budgets.The costs aren’t final, but much of the budget work will be done this summer, with final approval in December.In 2007, the city is planning to spend: In public works — a new tandem truck with a 10-yard plow box will cost $120,000. It replaces a 6-yard box that has only a single axle. The older model will be used by the wastewater department. The new truck will be used in the summer to haul gravel and blacktop and will haul snow from the plows in the winter. Public works is also purchasing a new stump grinder for $10,500.In the parks department — the standard $6,000 on new equipment will be spent. Also in parks, the city is purchasing a $30,000 mower with a 6-foot deck mower that adapts to become a snowblower. The existing mower will be traded in, so the actual cost will be lower. City workers are responsible for mowing about 200 acres.In the library — automation equipment will cost $5,000.In the pool and fitness center — popular cardio machines will be replaced for $10,000. A new standing tanning bed will cost $10,500.In administration — a copier will cost $10,000 (City Hall makes about 20,000 copies per month). The city is planning to start digitally scanning documents that are now paper-only files for a cost of $6,000 in 2007.In the water department — the city is buying a $30,000 pickup and developing new wells for a cost of $132,000. For water distribution, the city is buying a half-ton truck for $20,000, upgrading systems for $40,000, putting $40,000 toward an automatic meter reading system that will eventually be used, and $40,000 for water main looping. Sewage collection — will also put $40,000 toward automatic meter reading, will spend $50,000 for sewer line replacement, will spend $20,000 for a half-ton truck (to be shared with the water department), will spend $12,000 for equipment updates and will spend $34,500 for a sewer jetter.In the electric department — the city is spending $40,000 on a 1 1/2-ton flatbed truck, $150,000 on distribution system upgrades, $127,800 toward the automatic meter reading system, and $125,000 to replace a three-fuse system with a breaker-like system that will be faster to fix in the case of a substation outage such as the city recently experienced. Other capital improvements in the electrical department bring the total to $519,800 in 2007.In the refuse department — the city is replacing a three-quarter-ton pickup that is driven each day for recycling routes at a cost of $15,500. In data processing — the city is spending $90,000 for various phone, imaging, software, server and printers being updated or purchased for the first time. This year the city spent $10,000 on data processing and plans to spend about $30,000 in 2008.

By Lori EhdeSchool doesn’t start until Sept. 5, but Luverne School Board members met for their first official meeting of the 2006-07 year on Thursday, July 20.Middle School-High School Principal Donna Judson updated the board on the new discipline policy that will be implemented this year.Titled "Raising the BAAR," the policy will emphasize Behavior, Academics, Attendance and Responsibility.It’s based on the philosophy advocated by educator and counselor Shelley Freeman, Forest Lake. She encourages school staff to "sweat the small stuff."Judson told board members that by sweating the small stuff, "we’ll catch small disrespectful behaviors in the hope that the bigger ones won’t happen."The policy is outlined in the high school handbook, which will be sent to families prior to school starting.One notable update includes cell phone use in school. Students can use their cell phones during school hours only in the lobby area. Otherwise, phones need to be turned off.Cell phones that ring in class will warrant an automatic Saturday detention.Related to the discipline policy, grades will be reported every three weeks. This will help parents stay informed, and it will have a more immediate impact on student eligibility in activities.The handbook outlines dress code, truancy, bullying, harassment, weapons and more, and it details specific consequences of both minor and major behavior violations.Freeman will present a public forum on her "Sweat the Small Stuff" behavior philosophy at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 18, in the Cardinal Gym."We’re hoping to get a good turnout for that," said Superintendent Gary Fisher."She’s really easy to listen to, and her message is something that can help anyone focus on changes happening in the workplace or even in the community. Any parent who listens to what she has to say will learn parenting skills."The discipline policy is being implemented in all grades, K-12.In the elementary school, one notable modification to the discipline policy is that all school staff are involved in monitoring student behavior.For example, if a custodian or a school secretary sees poor behavior, those adults are authorized to report the behavior, which is recorded in the school office and with the student’s homeroom teacher. In other business:oFees for students to participate in district activities will remain the same this year, but fees charged to attend events will increase from $4 to $6 for adults and from $2 to $4 for students. "We noticed other districts in our conference raising ticket prices, so they were getting revenue from us that we weren’t getting back. …This will bring us more in line with that," Fisher said."Our family pass and activity punch cards won’t increase, so we’re encouraging our families to use those."oWhen the board members approved the bid from Farmers Union Co-op Oil, they noted fuel costs rose 50 percent over last year’s bid.Fuel oil will be $2.52 per gallon, premium unleaded gas will be $2.82 per gallon, ethanol will be $1.72 per gallon and No. 2 diesel or winter blend will be $2.75 per gallon.oThe school offices open full-time on Aug. 1.oThe first day of school will be Sept. 5.oThe elementary open house will be Sept. 14 in addition to the first-day orientation with parents.oThe middle school-high school open house will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14.In personnel matters, the board:oRatified contracts with the unions representing school secretaries, paraprofessionals and cooks. They’ll receive a 3-percent raise each year for the next two years.oHired Staci Bundesen as part-time elementary secretary at $11.37 per hour beginning Aug. 21.oApproved a maternity leave request by math teacher Jodi Rops from Nov. 6 through Jan. 2.oApproved an extended leave of absence for paraprofessional Carole Shorter through Dec. 31.oAccepted the resignation of two-hour food service worker Marian Eatherton, effective July 10.oHired John Sichmeller as computer teacher, seventh-grade boys basketball coach and middle school baseball coach. His total salary will be $32,407.oApproved Melinda Taylor as student teacher from South Dakota State University, Brookings, with middle school-high school art teachers Cloyce Smith and Chris Nowatzki.oApproved David Mayorga as student teacher from Southwest State University, Marshall, with Spanish teacher Lori Gladis.

By Sara QuamThe Lewis and Clark Rural Water Board is allowing members to pre-pay their share of the project to get more money to spur the project along immediately.As the project is able to collect more money now, members are able to save money in the long-run by avoiding inflation costs.Both the city of Luverne and Rock County are asking Lewis and Clark for permission to pay early.The city of Luverne is bonding for the project costs, and even though there will be interest payments in order to repay bonds, the savings will come by avoiding inflation for construction costs.Rock County Commissioners also decided to prepay Rock County Rural Water’s share of the project.For Rock County Rural Water to prepay its share of the project, the county will pay $533,000.The county is hoping it gets that in the form of a Drinking Water Revolving Fund loan that Rural Water Manager Dan Cook applied for. The loan comes at a very low interest rate.County Administrator Kyle Oldre said, "I applaud Dan for going out and finding this money."Cook said he feels confident that paying early will be the right decision. "We know where we’re at. We’re set," he said. "There’ll be no surprises."The county feels it is in line for the DWRF loan, but is waiting for details, such as the interest rate. They are typically less than 2 percent. All Lewis and Clark members have until Aug. 15 to decide on the prepayment.The city of Sioux Falls has decided to bond for $56 million.Lewis and Clark is using the early payments for an $80 million treatment plant, along with laying more pipeline and digging wells.Luverne City Administrator John Call said to the Luverne council, "To cap our inflation cost, to me, is a very prudent thing to do."With three states and almost 300,000 people affected by the water system, leaders believe it’s unlikely federal funding will be reduced.Lewis and Clark Executive Board Chairman Red Arndt said he believes that states and water providers paying early makes it more likely the federal government will actually increase funding the project.He said, "It may get Washington to step up because it shows support from us."The federal government is paying 80 percent of the project; states are paying 10 percent, and member cities are paying 10 percent.City of Luverne prepaymentLuverne’s share is $1.3 million for the 750,000 gallons per day capacity.The city has put away money over time totaling $600,000. The city of Luverne has already made payments of $375,000 to Lewis and Clark system.Lewis and Clark has also offered Luverne some excess capacity — 70,500 gallons per day — for an extra payment of $260,000. Luverne decided to add that extra water capacity.With the extra capacity and cost, minus what the city has in reserves for the project, the total amount Luverne would have to bond is about $1 million.With estimated interest it would be about $1.6 million over 20 years of the bond’s life.The debt service on the bond would be about $80,000 per year.If the city chose not to bond, and instead paid $100,000 annually to Lewis and Clark, the total payoff would be closer to $4 million because of anticipated increases in construction costs.The bond issue is not expected to affect utility rates because the city already budgeted $100,000 per year to go toward Lewis and Clark.Lewis and Clark will not use the funds until fiscal year 2007, so the city of Luverne plans to invest the bond proceeds until Lewis and Clark determines it needs Luverne’s share.The additional water will supplement, not replace, Luverne and Rock County’s water production.

By Sara QuamThe Luverne City Council Tuesday agreed to front the Palace Theatre money for building improvements.The money will be spent by the city only after, and if, the Palace is awarded a grant by the Minnesota Historical Society. The grant requires matching funds.The council vote was to match up to $100,000, depending on what the Palace is granted.Councilman Maynard Lafrenz cast the only vote against the loan, because he said if fund-raising doesn’t go as planned the city won’t be repaid.The Palace’s managing non-profit group, Blue Mound Area Theater, intends to do a large fund-raising campaign to repay the city."We’re going to try to get this done before September 2007 for Ken Burns," Palace representative Ben Vander Kooi said.Vander Kooi said having documentary film-maker Ken Burns, and possibly Tom Hanks, coming to the Palace is good incentive to do some repairs.Burns is premiering his World War II documentary film in Luverne. In the film, Tom Hanks is the voice of former Star Herald publisher Al McIntosh.If the grant and matching funds are awarded to the Palace, BMAT plans to purchase new seats and fix some failing brick and stone work on the building. The seats are 90 years old and have been repaired and restored as much as possible. The Council action Tuesday was to commit the city as the sponsoring agency for the grant application in order to get the state money. The state Historical Society will award the grants at the end of the year.In other business Tuesday, the council:
Approved a promotion agreement between the city of Luverne and the Luverne Area Chamber of Commerce. Two payments of $9,500 are made annually to the Chamber.In return, the Chamber agrees to promote the following community events and public facilities: Buffalo Days, Hot Dog Night, Border to Border Triathlon, Winterfest, Tri-State Band Festival, Luverne Home Show, Hometown Greeter, Blue Mounds State Park, Blue Mounds biking-hiking trail and the Main Street entrance area.
Approved various requests the Rock County Agricultural Society asked of the city for the county fair: —place no parking signs along a portion of Freeman Ave.; —allow the ag society to use 12 handicap and 12 no parking portable signs; —spray the fairgrounds for mosquitoes prior to the fair and once during the fair; —allow the use of 200 feet of the city’s orange plastic fencing; —allow access to a fire hydrant for water for the racetrack for all three nights of the fair; —approve a temporary liquor license for the sale of beer on the fairgrounds Aug. 3 through Aug. 5.
Asked city residents not to water their lawns from the hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The city isn’t in a water shortage, but with the dry weather, conservation will prevent having to impose restrictions.
Approved a resolution authorizing the execution of a Minnesota Department of Transportation Airport Grant Agreement for the new hangar at the airport.The local portion of the hangar project is $41,000, which will be recouped through hangar rentals.