Monday afternoon I was talking to a couple of old, retired teachers and I remembered how education was one of my few final choices when I was deciding on a career.I guess I decided that I liked school so much that I decided to make a career of taking notes wherever I go.I can call these former teachers old because they’re in their late 80s, by the way. That’s not to say we didn’t chat like schoolgirls, however.Anyway, talking with them, I remembered how I had many great teachers and I bet these ladies’ former students say the same thing about them. One big difference between these former teachers and my teachers is that they had students many years in a row, in their one-room schoolhouses, or country schools.(Their remembrances of the old teacher days will be in next week’s "Mature Lifestyles" insert in the Star Herald.)The former teachers, Margaret Vegge and Gladys Eitrem, talked about being strict, yet participating with the children at recess, and how they taught every subject — from art to math. It was like talking to Miss Beadle from "Little House on the Prairie." They talked about making sure their students were warm and fed during the day and how they often joined families at home for visits and supper and some overnight stays. They also talked about how they did janitorial duties.Some of their students still keep in touch and count them as great influences on their lives. My best teachers did more than help me learn. They made me realize my talents. I wanted good grades to impress them as much as my parents. I learned to be proud of my accomplishments and that’s something we should all remember as adults, whether it’s pride in work, hobbies, relationships or home.Students no longer spend multiple years with the same teacher — eating, playing and learning together — but teachers are still a major influence on children.Even though teachers are on a little summer break now, it’s good to remember that.

A pretty impressive streak that few people know about came to an abrupt end on Sunday.While this event wouldn’t appear as a blip on a radar screen compared with attractions like the section track meet and baseball tournament games I covered this week in terms of significance, it was a big deal for some current and former Rock County residents — including myself.After nine years of taking golf beatings from Brian DeJongh and my 12-year-old son, Nick, it feels great to say I’m no longer their personal whipping boy.On Sunday, with my partners Jill Meier and Wendi Schalekamp leading the way, our threesome was able to celebrate a nine-hole scrambler win over my boy and Brian.Playing with many different partners, I’ve squared off against these worthy opponents more than 30 times.While there were some competitive matches over the years, the outcome always remained the same. Brian would be wearing the smile of a winner, and his laugh could be heard from one end of the course to the other after he ordered Nick to prance around the green with the pin once their victory was secured.Winning these matches became a common occurrence for the Brian-Nick combination. As their conquests became repetitive, they started referring to themselves as "The Dominators."On Sunday, The Dominators truly were dominant during the first nine-hole round of play.By converting two birdies and one eagle, they coasted to an easy 6-1 win under our match play scoring rules.They were red hot, and we felt fortunate to tie them on the third and seventh holes of the competition before securing our lone point on the ninth hole.The win, however, caused our opponents to become complacent.While Jill was asking The Dominators to give us some strokes as the first round played out, I was devising a different course of action.I even held my tongue when The Dominators were saying things like "beating three girls wasn’t one of their greatest triumphs." I took their barbs in stride because my plan was designed to take advantage of the overconfidence they were displaying.So, as we entered the clubhouse for a between-round beverage, I laid the bait.Much to Jill’s displeasure, I told The Dominators that they didn’t have to give us any stroke advantages for the second round.Then I went on record to say that they should award us one-half of one point for every hole we match scores on during the final round.Feeling giddy about their lop-sided rout in the first round, Nick accepted the challenge without hesitation. Nick balked about the terms a little bit, but he soon fell in line with his partner.The funny thing about golf is how fortunes can change from one round to the next. If The Dominators didn’t realize this before Sunday, they do now.Instead of sporting the two-point lead they enjoyed after two holes of play during the front nine, our opponents found themselves facing a one-point deficit when we matched their scores on the back nine.Some doubt seemed to creep into their thinking at that point, and they decided we shouldn’t be awarded a half-point if we happened to match their score on ensuing par-3.We agreed to their request to throw out the half-point clause on par-3s, but it didn’t matter. Wendi’s tee shot on the third hole came to rest four feet away from the pin, and she drained the birdie putt to give us a two-point advantage.The Dominators did battle back to earn points on two of the next four holes, but they trailed by one-half point with two holes left to play.When we made par on the eighth hole and our opponents recorded a bogey five, eight years of frustration was washed away as Jill and I took turns prancing around the green with the pin waving wildly in our hands.On second thought, I wish I wouldn’t have taken part in that Terrell Owen-type of celebration on the eighth green. I was always told to act like you’ve been there before when an unlikely win falls in your lap, and I should have acted like that.On the other hand, I’ve never been on the winning side of a golf match against Brian and Nick before, and I decided the time was right to barb my opponents as we dined in the clubhouse after the match.After Brian raised a glass to toast The Dominators and their extended winning streak spanning over nine summers, I could hold my tongue no longer.After interrupting the toast, I unveiled their new team name."The Dominated."

Big Loser II is now completed and once again the weight loses are amazing. The before and after pictures of the losers are in this issue of the Star Herald on pages 6 and 7 as well as comments from some of the participants on page 1B. The success of the first two programs in large part is due to Dietitian Marg Kuiper from the Sioux Valley Clinic Luverne. In addition to her dietary expertise, she also is our main motivator and encourager over the course of the 16 weeks.Kyle Oldre has raised the bar for all future Big Loser participants by losing an astonishing 88.6 pounds. Leading the lady losers was Gerry Sandstede dropping 47.6 pounds. In all, 15 of the 16 participants lost weight; 12 of the 16 lost 20 pounds or more and five of those lost over 50 pounds. In addition to the weight, the inches melted away as well. Rick Dawson, who actually gained 2 pounds, lost a total of 6 inches from his neck, chest, waist and hips and at the same time dropped his cholesterol by 21 points.There is no question — in order to achieve the results these folks have, you need to make changes in your diet and exercise programs. However, that doesn’t means you have to stop enjoying life or going out to eat. Orv Green is proof of that. He lost 51.4 pounds, a total of 18.5 inches, dropped his blood pressure by 10 points, dropped his cholesterol by 27 points, dropped his triglycerides by 201 points, lowered his fasting blood sugar count by 30 points, all the while eating at Sharkey’s every day. Someone else commented to me that they wanted to know how Steve Top was able to lose over 56 pounds when it seemed to them every time they saw him, he was eating at Sharkey’s. Steve will tell you just to look at the salad menu, order and enjoy.Congratulations to all the Big Losers, and for those of you who might be interested in Big Loser III, plans are underway to start sometime this fall. If you would like to shed a pound or two or 50, give me a call at the Star Herald office, 283-2333.

Memorial Day Services – 2006Once again I had the privilege to participate in the Memorial Day Services at Maplewood Cemetery. I only stood by the Rock County VFW 2757 Auxiliary flag, but what an organization it represents. I have belonged for 54 years and I believe I have helped at Memorial Day at least 50 of those years, plus that many years of poppy sales. Do you remember when we used to serve breakfast at the VFW at 7:30 a.m., then a parade — on to the Palace Theatre for the program — then to Maplewood Cemetery for the tribute to the war dead? Then on to Beaver Creek to render the same salute.And now we have the Avenue of Flags. What a thrill to go out at 7 a.m. — put up the flags — have the program and salute — on to Beaver Creek — back for a potluck dinner. Later, at 7 p.m. go back to the cemetery and help fold the flags and put them in storage for another year. There are approximately 120 flags at Maplewood Cemetery, 30 at the Catholic Cemetery and 30 at Minnesota Veterans Home, all with deceased veteran’s names printed on them. That’s a lot of flags and poles to put away.The idea of the Avenue of Flags was started by LeRoy Luitjens, the late Charles Braa and Ron Maxwell and was dedicated in 1976, 30 years ago. The memorial site where the program is conducted was dedicated in 1974. All were funded by the American Legion and the VFW.I gathered some of this information from Leroy Luitjens, Dorothy Maxwell and Luella Braa and the all important dates from the Rock County Star Herald. I’ve gone through back papers many times to find information I needed. I thank my friend, Roger Tollefson, for allowing these records to be so readily available. I personally want to say "thanks" to Rick Peterson for his wonderful speech about patriotism, citizenship and respect for all of our veterans. I heard nothing but praise for his words of wisdom. I also share his memories and have tried to teach my children the respect for the flag, the flag I am so proud of when I’m able to put it next to my husband’s (Red Iveland) grave on Memorial Day. A flag I proudly carry in parades as long as I am still able.Betty IvelandLuverne

By Lexi MooreAfter months of planning meetings, fund-raising and organizing, Friendship Days has arrived.This year the Hills Community Club has worked overtime to make the weekend as big and as much fun as possible. Many new events are planned, in addition to old favorites, and the Community Club also worked with the All-School Reunion planners to make things like parking easier for visitors.Free shuttle service around townBeginning at 9 a.m. a free shuttle service will begin from the H-BC football field on the south side of Hills. Visitors and residents are welcome to park at the field and use the service to get around town.School buses will stop at the field, the high school and the Rez throughout the day. Event organizers encourage attendees to use the service because many of the roads in town will not be open for parking.Streets used in the parade route will not be available for parking, and traffic will be blocked from entering Main Street for most of the day.New events for children and adultsDonna and Stacen Burgers, owners of Around the Clock Fitness and Tanning, have organized a fun 5K run/walk on Saturday morning. Individuals interested in participating can still register that morning at the fitness center on Main Ave. The fun race starts at 7 a.m.The kiddie parade, which has been absent from the Friendship Days schedule for several years, is back this year. This is an opportunity for youth in the area to decorate their bikes, wagons, scooters, or power wheels and star in the parade. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at the high school and is free. The kiddie parade will head down Main Street at 9:30 a.m., followed by the Friendship Days Parade at 10 a.m.The Community Club secured additional funding from area city councils to bring in several marching bands to make the parade extra special for the weekend.Local businesses and the H-BC junior high band will also take to the street that morning.As carloads of families pull into the football field, they will notice several inflatable carnival rides in bright colors being set up in the Hills Softball field. The inflatables will be open to area children at a cost of $5 for the afternoon.A dunk tank in the City Park features familiar Hills-Beaver Creek faces from the past and present. Alumni can try their luck at drenching their favorite.H-BC Junior Class Parents After-Prom Committee is manning a jail in the park from 12 - 3 p.m. Members of the committee will be selling "get out of jail free" passes around town in the morning and early afternoon.Visitors and residents without passes will be forced to spend time in the jail. Family and friends will have to pay bail before being released if they are taken as prisoners. The group is using the jail to raise money for the 2007 after-prom party.Visitors are encouraged to head back to Hills after they have their reunion meal for an all-ages street dance on Main Street.Beverages will be served by the Community Club, and Donatello’s, a local diner and café, will stay open late to serve hungry patrons. Local celebrity and DJ Ben Davis will provide music for the event.The weekend will conclude with a Sunday morning coffee service in the H-BC high school gym. The service will be led by the H-BC Fellowship of Christian Athletes.Old favoritesOrganizers kept many of the weekend’s favorites on the schedule. FFA alumni will be flipping pancakes, the Hills Christian School children will man carnival booths in the park, volleyball players will face off and train rides will still be free. A complete list of activities and times, including the tractor pull and fishing seminar, can be found on page 12 of the Crescent.

By Lexi MooreHigh school reunions tend to bring back a flood of memories along with familiar faces and a hint of anxiety.For 97-year-old Olga Rogness, this year’s All-School Reunion in Hills has brought her more attention than she is accustomed to.As a 1926 graduate of Hills High School, she plans on attending her 80th class reunion this weekend. Unfortunately, time has not been as kind to her classmates as it has been to her. Olga remains bright and alert in her home at Tuff Memorial Home in Hills. She is the only surviving student from her class.Without seeing the faces of those classmates, it is hard for Olga to find too many memories from her years at Hills High School, but she does remember the value of the education she received."It was the depression, you know," she said."What you did was valuable; you would do anything to get an education. It was very important in those days."And Olga did go to great lengths to attend school every day. Her father, Theodore Hanson, was employed by the railroad in Steen. This stroke of luck got her a pass on the area trains. In the morning she would head to the railroad tracks and hop a train to Hills.The kind of train didn’t matter. Sometimes it was a freight train; other times a passenger car, as long as it was headed to Hills.Once the train stopped in Hills, she had to walk to the school. The walk seemed especially long in the winter.At school she remembers studying Latin, science, history, phonetics and occasionally art. Although there were some athletics, sports were not nearly as important as studies.Olga also remembers the teachers."We loved them, they were our heroes," she said."We would honor them and hold them high in the community."Her graduation in 1926 was held with little fanfare. Few of the classmates she started school with finished."It was hard times," she said. "People had to work or help on the farm. I made sure school was important."Following graduation, Olga went to Normal School Training in Luverne. This was training for young women who wanted to be teachers. The training allowed them to student teach in various fields of study. When Olga finished training, she taught in one-room school houses in Rock County."I loved teaching and it was a way to earn money," she said.Olga’s only child, Robert, Golden Valley, helped arrange several recent outings for Olga to celebrate her reunion. She not only attended the H-BC graduation last weekend, but she was honored by Superintendent David Deragisch during the ceremony.She said she hopes to get a good meal during the reunion dinner at the Beaver Creek Golf Course and see the parade.Although Olga suspects time has changed the school she attended, she hopes it is still highly regarded in the area."Hills High School was one the best in the area," she said. "At least we thought it was."

By John RittenhouseA member of the Hills-Beaver Creek-Ellsworth-Edgerton track program qualified for the state track meet during the Section 3A Track and Field Championships staged in Pipestone Thursday.Mya Mann, an Ellsworth High School junior, placed second in the 400-meter dash to earn an individual berth into the state field.The top two finishers in individual events advance to state during section competition.Mann, who placed seventh in the 800-meter run with a time of 2:30.09, moves on with her second-place time of 2:30.09 in the 400.The Patriot will run 400 preliminaries at the Minnesota State Class A Track and Field Championships at Hamlin University in Roseville Friday evening. If she places ninth or better in the preliminaries, Mann will advance to the 400 finals set for 5:06 p.m. on Saturday.Along with placing in the 400 and 800, Mann ran a leg with H-BC-E-E’s place-earning 1,600-meter relay team in Pipestone.Mann, Amanda Connors and Jocelyn and Ashley Bucher finished eighth in the event with a time of 4:19.61.The H-BC-E-E girls, who scored 12 points and placed 19th in team competition at the section meet, also received an eighth-place effort from Rosie Lewis in the shot put. Lewis tossed the shot 35-0.No H-BC-E-E boys advanced to the state meet during section competition, but the Patriots did receive some strong efforts in individual and relay competition.The top effort came from the 400-meter relay team consisting of Kevin Vander Schaff, Cody Rozeboom, Pavel Matejski and Kerry Fink. The foursome placed second with a time of 45.36.Vander Schaff and Fink turned in fifth-place performances in the 100- and 400-meter dashes with respective 11.63 and 52.12 times.The 800-meter relay team consisting of Matejski, Rozeboom, Adam Finke and John Sandbulte finished fifth with a time of 1:37.05.Casey Van Midden Dorp and Dustin Verhey also placed in individual competition.Van Midden Dorp covered 19-4 1/2 to finish seventh in the long jump. Verhey ran 3,200 meters in 10:48.78 to finish eighth.The H-BC-E-E boys scored 23 points to tie for 13th place in the team standings.

By Lexi MooreFew things I have written about in the Crescent have come up as often in my everyday life as my "issue" with snakes.Last spring in a shocking discovery I came across a snake while gardening. Before the shock wore off, I got on my computer and told the world (my column readers, anyway) about my fears and disgust with these seemingly innocent creatures.In my little column I pleaded with local residents to help me with my problem. I needed a cure and I needed it fast. I had suddenly become a prisoner inside my own house. My fear and subsequent paranoia were prohibiting me from enjoying my yard.In the weeks and months that followed the publication of my discovery, I have had many comments and suggestions about the situation. By and large, the majority are from others experiencing the same problem at their homes and wondering if I had come across a solution.I figured I would share what I had heard and tried.Last year, the only solution was to stay on the pavement if my husband was not home. If he was around, I could be in the yard. Being a chivalrous man, he would quickly be at my side when he heard my screams, shovel in hand, to "take care of the problem."Last winter he began preparing the house for this year’s serpent problem. All holes were sealed with some sort of crazy foam in a can, mothballs were placed strategically around buildings, and he assured me this year would be better.When the sun finally came out and we took to the flowerbeds, the lawnmower and the clothesline, I kept my eyes alert and always looking down. For the first few weeks I thought the problem had been solved. I hadn’t seen a snake, and my confidence was building.As is often the case in life, just when you start to let your guard down and feel secure, something happens.While home alone one afternoon, sitting on my front steps, enjoying the fresh air, being humored by the cats as they ate bugs and rolled in the dirt, I saw them. Yes, them.About three feet from where I was sitting, nuzzled up against the same concrete that held my backside, was a giant mama snake with what looked like dozens of super tiny and scary snakes on her back. It was as if she was giving her entire family a piggy-back ride through my front flower bed.I freaked out, ran into the house screaming, and then I remembered I had abandoned all of my cats out there with what could possibly become an army of snakes. The cats were clearly outnumbered and this was little Wendell’s (the kitten) second or third time outside.I quickly assessed the situation. Would it be best to rescue the cats or call for help? I opted to make some calls. First, to that chivalrous husband of mine, who was in the middle of teaching a class and offered zero help. In fact, his voice almost sounded as if he didn’t believe me. After all, he had already taken care of the problem.Next I called my mother. She offered plenty of sympathy but no solutions. She recommended I try to find out where the mother planned on going. Perhaps she would go back to the nest, which would make it easy for David to destroy the snakes.This sounded like a necessary chore. I took a big ol’ drink of lemonade, hoping the sugar would empower me. If I weren’t pregnant, I would have opted for something much stronger. I then put on some shoes and went back to my place on the steps. The snakes were still there, as were my cats. They weren’t paying any attention to the serpents or my anxiety.With just a few seconds of bravery I was able to discover a small hole in the concrete on my steps. A good portion of the mama snake’s back half was still in the hole. That was enough for me — I didn’t need to watch any longer. I was sure that was their home and I had plenty of snake imagery to last me years of nightmares.I showed off my discovery when David returned home from work, and I demanded action. We headed to the hardware store to get some magic foam.We also purchased cocoa bean chips. This mulch had been recommended by some of my readers and the Internet as a deterrent of snakes. Apparently, like marigolds and mothballs, the bean shells put off a smell snakes do not like.This past weekend, we finally had both the time and the energy to prepare the flowerbeds for the cocoa mulch. Unlike the snakes, we thought it smelled great – like a giant chocolate bar in our front yard. Plus the flowerbeds looked beautiful.So did it work?Within a day and half I found a snake at my front door. The dirt it liked to hang out in had been covered with cocoa beans, so it had decided to sunbathe on the concrete steps in front of my house. Unfortunately, screams and terror filled the final moments of its life. David quickly hunted it down.So perhaps the smell of the mulch worked, but I guess not well enough for them to move off my property. So far, that seems to be the case with every method we have tried. Fortunately, we don’t have as many this year. Plus, the advice of many not to be afraid is slowly sinking in — although I am sure the neighbors don’t believe that, since they are the ones who hear my screams.Story ideas or comments can be e-mailed to Lexi Moore at lexim@star-herald.com or called in at 962-3561.

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE HILLS CITY COUNCILMAY 9, 2006Mayor Jim Jellema called the meeting to order at 6:07 P.M. with the following council members present: Jim Jellema, Pete Hoff, Ross Metzger, and Linus Svoboda. Council absent: Keith Elbers. Employees present: Joanne Goehle, City Treasurer; and Connie Wiertzema, City Clerk. Guests: Tom Houselog-Rock County Land Records Director, Mark Hovland-Assistant County Assessor, Wendell Bengtson, Rod Verhey, Matt Taubert, CPA from Meulebroeck, Taubert & Co.; Lexi Moore-Hills Crescent. Motion by Hoff, seconded by Svoboda to approve Mark Raymon’s building permit application for a patio and partial privacy fence. Motion carried. Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Metzger to approve the April 11th minutes. Motion carried. Motion by Hoff, seconded by Metzger to approve the April expenditures: General $60,576.59; Park $739.87; Fire $37.65; Street $1,661.83; Legion $368.29; Sewer $1,016.99; Garbage $1,949.82; Recycling $2.00; Water $3,753.98; Law Enforcement $9,746.50. Motion carried. General Checking 59,037.57General Fund CD#18924, 3.55%, 6/9/05 (prev. #18614) 251,002.85General Fund CD#19056 (prev. #188764) 4.25%, 9/15/06 124,865.21Fire Truck Replacement CD#19200, 4.150%, 12/9/06 3,000.00Hills EDA Security Deposit Account .04Hills EDA Checking – Acct. #1248 5,610.75EDA CD#18870, 3.25%, 5/7/06 78,108.74EDA CD#19293 (prev. CD#19164) 4.5%, 2/14/07 35,713.74EDA CD#19165, 4.25%, 11/15/06 138,000.00#2 FireTruck Replacement CD#19385, 4.5%, 3/24/07 5,000.00Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Hoff to renew CD#18870 at 4.75% interest. Motion carried. Motion by Hoff, seconded by Metzger to approve the Treasurer’s report. Motion carried. Publish a notice to inform residents that sump pump hoses should not run into floor drains.The regular meeting was recessed, in order to open the Board of Appeal & Equalization meeting at 6:30 P.M. Tom Houselog, Rock County Land Records Director, and Mark Hovland, Assistant County Assessor, attended in order to review assessments with the City Council and any interested persons. Houselog noted that Svoboda and Wiertzema had attended the required training meeting, in order to hold this Board of Appeal & Equalization meeting. Residential property increased approximately 10.9%, and commercial decreased approximately 6%. Following property tax discussion with persons attending, no changes were made to any parcels, and the Board of Equalization meeting was adjourned at 7:02 P.M. The assessment contract with Rock County expires on December 31, 2006. Houselog will obtain contract renewal information to be discussed at a later date. The regular city council meeting reconvened at 7:02 P.M.The Council tabled decision for seal coating streets, awaiting final bids from Rock County. The Council agreed to continue with annual physicals for fire department volunteers.Discussed the problem with disconnection/reconnection fees versus monthly utility payments, for persons that go south for the winter months. The Council agreed to leave the policy as is, and that those utility patrons who are affected should be notified to explain the City’s policy. Notification on an annual basis may be helpful. Also, according to City ordinance, only the city maintenance department is allowed to disconnect and reconnect water service. Motion by Metzger, seconded by Hoff to grant a building permit to Derek Bundesen for a deck. Motion carried. Jellema proposed that a resolution be adopted to allow the use of motorized golf carts and four-wheel all-terrain vehicles on city streets. Details for the use of such vehicles will be drafted for approval by the City Council. Motion by Hoff and seconded by Metzger to proceed with the proposal. None opposed, motion carried. Matt Taubert, CPA from Meulebroeck, Taubert & Co., presented the Council with the City’s 2005 audit report. A few items regarding the Fire Department, 1) bids for a new fire truck, received by the Fire Department, must be on file at the City Office; 2) the transfer of any funds to the Fire Relief Association must be pre-approved by the City of Hills and Martin Township; 3) all fire call reimbursement funds must be forwarded to the City of Hills and Martin Township; and 4) the Fire Department must submit a final report to FEMA regarding the disbursement of funds. Motion by Hoff, seconded by Metzger to approve the audit report, with no changes. Motion carried. Mayor Jellema suggested that discussion continue regarding the procedure for negotiating employee salaries and benefits. The Clerk commented that in past years, employees were told to take the City’s insurance policy offered, or waive it. Now, two different insurance policies are offered to an employee’s family, wherein one policy the monthly premiums are paid through a separate salary to the employee. The Clerk suggested that since the City is paying for different policies, all employees eligible for insurance should be compensated through a payment in lieu of insurance. No further discussion. Motion by Hoff, seconded by Metzger to adjourn at 8:43 P.M.Connie J. WiertzemaCity Clerk(6-8)