Services for Mabel Edmundson will be at 11 a.m. Monday, May 15, at Palisade Lutheran Church in rural Garretson, S.D. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, May 14, at the Hartquist Funeral Home, Engebretson Chapel, in Luverne and also one hour prior to services at the church. Mabel Alvera Edmundson, 101, Mesa, Ariz., formerly from Beaver Creek and Garretson, died Sunday, May 7, 2006, at the Mi Casa Nursing Center in Mesa. Mabel Larson was born to Lars and Alma (Hegna) Larson on Jan. 11, 1905, on the family farm in Beaver Creek Township in Rock County, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed at Evangelical Norwegian Lutheran Church in Beaver Creek. She attended country school and then completed one year of high school at Augustana in Sioux Falls, S.D., and one year of high school in Luverne. Following her education she stayed at home to keep house for her parents. She married Arthur Edmundson on Jan. 6, 1934, in Garretson. From 1934 to 1965 the couple lived on the Edmundson farm. Mr. Edmundson died in April 1965. Following his death, she moved to the Hospital Apartments in Garretson and later to the Bucher Apartments in Garretson. During these years she worked as a cook at Palisade Manor Nursing Home, as a manager of a furniture store, and a helper at the Garretson Bakery. In October 1994 she moved to Aurora, Ill., to be near her son Arlen. She lived at Sunnymere in Aurora. In May 2001 she moved with her son and his family to Mesa, where she lived at the Sterling House. In May 2003 she moved into Mi Casa Nursing Center.Mrs. Edmundson was a member of Palisade Lutheran Church in Garretson, where she was active in Ladies Aid and the Hannah Circle. She was a member of the Minnehaha County Extension Club and the Garretson Senior Citizens. She had a special talent for sewing Raggedy Ann and Andys. She enjoyed traveling the states to visit her family. Survivors include one son, Arlen (Mary) Edmundson, Gilbert, Ariz., one daughter, Mary Jane Thomas, Los Angeles, Calif.; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and a special friend, Marcia Dix, who has enriched Mrs. Edmundson’s last years. Mrs. Edmundson was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Arthur, three brothers, the Rev. Elmer Larson, Reuben Larson and Herman Larson, and one sister, Minnie Larson. Hartquist Funeral Home, Engebretson Chapel, Luverne, is in charge of arrangements.

Thelma L. Davis, 94, Hills, formerly of Luverne, died Thursday, May 4, 2006, at Tuff Memorial Home in Hills. Services were Wednesday, May 10, at Dingmann Funeral Home in Luverne. The Rev. Bart Fletcher officiated. Burial was at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne. Thelma Scott was born to Rhody and Carrie (Leas) Scott on April 28, 1912, in Rock County. She graduated from Luverne High School. She married Jerry Davis on March 28, 1936, in Luverne. After their marriage the couple lived in Magnolia. She worked at the Magnolia Post Office for more than 20 years, where she served as postmaster during wartime. She retired in 1964. Mr. Davis died on Feb. 24, 1962. She later moved to Luverne. She became a resident of Tuff Memorial Home Feb. 17, 1998. Mrs. Davis was a member of United Methodist Church in Luverne and the Luverne VFW Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed crocheting and needlework. Survivors include four nephews, Marv (Hermina) Tripp, Worthington, and Jack, Charles and Michael Davis; two nieces, Judy (Carroll) Koepsell, Worthington, and Jane McKay; one brother-in-law, Bob (Dorothy) Davis, Anoka; and several great-nieces and nephews. Mrs. Davis was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jerry; a sister, Meroe Tripp; a brother-in-law, H. Marvell Tripp; and a special friend, Roger Mork. A tree will be dedicated in memory of Thelma Davis by Hospice of Sioux Valley Luverne Hospital. Dingmann Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.

When I think of my mother and how I would like to honor her on Mother’s Day, I have always had the same perspective, year after year.How can I, on this one day, thank her for all she has done and continues to do for me, her daughter?I look at the day from the angle of a daughter, giving pause to all of the things she has done for me – until this year I never once thought about what I might do for her as a mother.I have never stopped to ponder the bond she shared with me before I was born, the anticipation she must have felt on that Mother’s Day two months before I was born or the feelings of joy I bring to her life, knowing that she created me. Her early sacrifices gave me this life and perhaps I have never thanked her for them.I am her third child of five and the second of two girls, yet I often feel I am the only one. She loves each of us differently and with an intensity that makes us know we count.In January, when David and I discovered that I might be keeping a new life safe inside of me, my whole idea of what it means to be the daughter of a mother changed.I waited as patiently as possible for the weeks to pass, often not believing that I could really become a mother. My first doctor’s appointment wasn’t until March – and until a doctor confirmed the news, I wasn’t going to be a true believer. Surely, a couple of $3 tests from Wal-Mart could be wrong.I wasn’t sick, my clothes still fit and life was continuing as it always had. On a day-to-day basis, I didn’t feel any different. During this time, though, my relationship with my mother was different. Her pregnancy with me was not a walk in the park. Until I was born, she was very sick, and the possibility of losing me was very real.In hearing her stories, I began to learn a different aspect of being a mother. I heard of her concerns and the many worries she had had during the time. I heard of the many things she gave up, just to keep me safe inside her womb.I was learning what it is to be a mother.After deciding to doctor in Luverne, I chose (nearly blindly) to trust my health and that of my unborn bundle of joy with Dr. Timothy Mulder.On that fateful first meeting, he confirmed what the pink stripes had indicated – I was going to be a mommy.Excitement in my house grows exponentially with every passing day, as does the size of my belly. David and I love our home in Hills and both agree that it is the perfect community to trust in helping us raise our family.I know that I have mountains to learn about being a mother and that the process won’t always be fun, but I am looking forward to years of Mother’s Days to come. Next year’s celebration will not only focus on my mom, but on me as well. That is just amazing to me.Giving up my extracurricular drinks for awhile and being forced into a less than desirable wardrobe seem like insignificant sacrifices when I consider the reward.I can only imagine that preparing for the birth of my first child and the upcoming life events that the child will inevitably produce will find their way into my columns. For readers with zero desire to read about parenting and pregnancy, I have devised a plan. On days I plan on musing over these subjects, I will put a clever little graphic by the title of the column.For instance, if I need to share how carrying this baby has me eating ALL the time, there might be a little rattle next to my picture, or if changing diapers starts to get to me after awhile, readers might find a cute cartoon diaper near the top. Think of it as a warning for those of you not interested and a flag for others who find my stories of cats, opossums, snakes and rats less than amusing.In closing, I would again like to thank my mother for all the sacrifices she has made, both in my production and in ensuring that my life is always as delightful and happy as can be. Enjoy your day, Mom. You deserve it!Story ideas or comments can be emailed to Lexi Moore at lexim@star-herald.com or called in at 962-3561.

10 years ago (1996)"Randy Feucht and Gregg Ebert will hit the waters of Big Stone Lake this Saturday in the second of a series of Walleye tournaments.The pair are teaming up and competing in the U.S. Team Walleye Series. The series consists of a number of tournaments throughout 12 different states. The goal at the state level is to qualify for the final state tournament, thus earning a chance to compete in a national championship worth approximately $50,000."25 years ago (1981)"The Jr. High girls track team established three new school records during competition at the Pipestone Invitational track meet this week. The three new records are Kim Boeve with a 54 foot 2 inch discus throw; Nyla Elbers with a 20 foot 4 inch shot put and Micky Faber with a 14.5 effort in the 100 meter run." 50 years ago (1956)"At a recent meeting of Hills Post 399, American Legion, Harold Van Wettering was selected to represent this community at Boys State, which will be held this summer in St. Paul. For the past several years the Legion has been sponsoring a candidate to Boys State, paying all the necessary expenses, so that the trip is entirely free to the candidate."75 years ago (1931)"The Junior and Senior classes and the members of the Hills school faculty, enjoyed the annual Junior-Senior banquet at the Hotel Carpenter in Sioux Falls last Saturday evening. A sumptuous three-course dinner was served at six-thirty o’clock. Piano selections by Mrs. Olaf Hagen during the time dinner was served, and several vocal selections by a Negro male quartette of Sioux Falls were enjoyed by all … " 100 years ago (1906)"F.E. York, our cement man, has completed an 8-foot cement walk with curbing in front of the three Peterson lots, Nuffer hardware store and Hellie’s carpenter shop and a 4-foot walk in front of the two Qualley lots, and the three lots of Olaf Skyberg, a distance of 240 feet, which is a splendid addition to our cement walks."

Keith and Marj Hellie of Detroit Lakes were recent visitors of Don and Edyth Briggs. Bob and Twila Kirsch attended the piano recital Sunday at Shalom Farm in the Windom area in which their granddaughter, Jessica Lentz, participated. Luella Schlueter returned to Hills last week Monday from the Cities where she spent the weekend with her daughters and their husbands, Bonnie and Brian Olson and Laurie and John Hynes and family. Saturday night she was present at the Hynes home when John celebrated his 50th birthday. Sunday she, along with others, attended the baptism of her great-grandson, Shawn Ryan, at Northwood Lutheran Church in Plymouth. He is the son of Ryan and Kelli Lokeman and grandson of Gerry and Sue Schlueter. Kris and Kelly Schleuter were sponsors. Sunday, April 30, Chuck and Rheta DeBoer attended the baptism of their granddaughter, Maggie Ann Hofman, at the Cornerstone United Reformed Church in Sanborn, Iowa. She is the daughter of Seth and Susan Hofman, Melvin, Iowa. The Rev. Jeff and Karen DeBoer and children of Garner, Iowa, spent Sunday night, April 30, in the Chuck and Rheta DeBoer home. Jo Wulf and Ellie Sandager motored to the Cities Thursday and on Friday attended the graduation service at the University of Minnesota in which Jo’s son, Andrew Norton, was a graduate. Saturday they attended a Rugby game when the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota alumni team played. Andrew played on the university team while his brother, Sheldon Norton of Amarillo, Texas, played on the alumni team of Minnesota as he also is a graduate. They also visited with the Merle Muckala’s and Nita Johnson and Carolyn Schubbe Randall at Stillwater and the Lee Sandagers at Marine On St. Croix. Audrey Heidenson was a guest of Martha Bakken Friday night at the Mother-Daughter banquet at Palisade Lutheran Church. Ida Langstraat of Hawarden, Iowa, was a Sunday dinner guest of Fran Sandager. John Sandager, Colorado Springs, Colo., spent a few days with his mother, Fran, and also with the Mark Sandagers. Madison Ray, daughter of Jesse and Karin Gaugler, was baptized Sunday, April 30, at services in Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Her sponsor was Jesse’s sister, Sarah Gaugler, of Almont, N.D. Present were Jesse’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roger Gaugler, and Eric and Amy Gaulger of Hensler, N.D., who also spent the weekend here. Also celebrated was the Gauglers’ daughter, Leanna, who was two years old on Saturday, April 29.

Mother’s Day is on the way! Husbands and children, make sure you don’t forget to honor your mothers and grandmothers this coming Sunday.A mother’s love is like an island in life’s ocean – vast and wide, a peaceful, quiet shelter from the wind, the rain and the tide. It is bound on the north by hope, by patience on the west, by tender counsel on the south and on the east by rest. Above it like a beacon of light shine faith and truth and prayer; and through the changing scenes of life I find a haven there.In Steen News:Area farmers gained a little ground this week in trying to get the crops in the ground. It still remains very wet in spots and ground conditions are less than favorable. Hopefully the rains predicted for this week will stay clear and more progress will be made.On Sunday afternoon Paul Aykens made the trip from Orange City to Steen to visit his mother, Jo Aykens. They had a great time together.Also on Sunday Mildred Keunen and Bertha Bosch took Bill Bosch out for lunch at the Pizza Ranch. It was a beautiful day to get Bill out and about and he really enjoyed the time away.Verla Baker is a great-grandma once again, this time to a little baby girl. Her 21st great-grandchild was born on April 30 to Troy and Rebecca Brunsint of Sioux Falls. Kevin and Julie Ortenblad of Willmar were overnight guests at the Dengler home on Saturday evening. Kevin was the guest speaker at the RCYF meeting on Sunday evening. They flew home late Sunday night. Dinner guests at the Dengler home on Sunday afternoon were Kevin and Julie Ortenblad, Greg and Shar Dengler, Amanda Dengler and her roommates from Northwestern College, Kari Larson, Kay and Laura Sponit. Sunday evening guests at the Ramaker home were Dale and Sue Bartels.Alex Angelo, of Jeanne Angelo, has been mowing up a storm in Steen. This young man has been working extra hard to keep the city of Steen looking its best. Every day after school you can find Alex riding his lawn mower, mowing the city park or the ball diamond. Keep up the great work, Alex!In Hospital News:Anna Mae Berghorst was rushed to the Sioux Valley hospital via ambulance Wednesday afternoon after experiencing a fainting spell. The doctors discovered a sack of fluid surrounding the heart and have been working to drain that fluid. She hopes to be released this Tuesday.Bernard Beyenhof was admitted to the hospital early last week after experiencing chest pains. He was released and returned home a few days later.In Church News:This past Monday night the Elders and Consistory met, and on Tuesday evening the girls league set up for the Mother/Daughter Banquet. On Wednesday night at 7 p.m. many were in attendance at the banquet and an evening filled with entertainment and fun.Next Monday the Faith Circle will meet at 7:30 p.m. and on Wednesday night there will be a special Education Volunteer Appreciation Supper at 7:00 p.m.That’s all I have for this week. In closing, I leave you with this thought: "There are blessings all around us that are sent from God above, but none are more precious than the gift of a mother’s love!" If you have anything that you would like to have placed in the Steen News, contact Brian Dengler at 855-2232 or by e-mail @ knowgrowshow@hotmail.com

Ah, spring is in the air and what could be a more welcome sight than the multicolored flowers in bloom and the fluorescent hues of the garage sale signs on every other corner.I appreciate rummage sales. The opportunity to search among someone else’s things to find the perfect treasure for myself is my idea of a well-spent Saturday morning.These sales can be quite productive, as I find almost all of my daycare toys on garage sales. Most playthings are outgrown before they are worn out. Either the child gets too old for the toy or they simply have so much stuff that some things just have to go. I avoid battery-operated gadgets for obvious reasons and attempt to stick to the basics.One trip through the dishwasher with detergent and a little bleach and these toys are good to go. My little chickens are delighted when I bury new surprises in the toy box and muse after breakfast that I just may have gotten some new playthings. The dash to find the latest treasures in the mix is like feeding time in a piranha tank. My best friend, Brenda, also does daycare in Sioux Falls. We met over 20 years ago at a Mother’s of Twins Club meeting and became fast friends. We occasionally go rummaging together to compete for the bargains of the century. Comedy abounds on such adventures and memories are always created.Last year at the famous Kingswood rummages we were shopping away when I jokingly put on a bridesmaid-looking hat marked for a quarter at a sale and asked her if it was ‘me’. She made a face and that, I thought, was the end of that. While on these escapades I am notorious for holding up the most hideous of decorations or outfits and musing over whether or not it is my style. We crack wise and joke our way from sale to sale and thoroughly enjoy ourselves. Brenda has a sharp wit and I have found her a worthy opponent to spar comedy with. We try to be careful not to offend any seller, as you never know what belonged to someone’s beloved grandmother or aunt. We save our cutting edge witticism for the walk or drive between sales, as we would never be insensitive to others. We know that nothing can be a bargain if it is obtained at the expense of someone’s feelings.At this particular sale where the hat was, we proceeded to buy a couple of little things and head on down the street. About a dozen or more rummages and four or five blocks later there was an antique mirror for sale, and as I looked into it to see if there were any waves in the silvering, I was horrified to discover that the hat was still on my head. I freaked at the fact that I had actually, though totally unintentionally, shoplifted from a rummage sale! I had never in my life taken anything that did not belong to me and I was almost physically sick from the thought.In my blinding panic we attempted to backtrack and find where the hat had come from so that I could pay what was due for fear that I would never again enjoy another peaceful night of sleep or worse.Unfortunately, we had woven so much that there was no finding our way back, so I have come to terms and have learned to live on the lamb. I still have the hat. Not that it is anything that I will ever wear but as a gentle reminder to be more careful. I don’t need the hat as Brenda has assured me that she will never let me forget. In all reality it is mostly her fault, because what kind of a friend would let another friend do such a thing? Of course we laugh about it now, but at the time I was quite distraught. This year we went to Kingswood on Wednesday night to scope out the early bargains. I ended up finding these wonderful heavy and long wooden-handled marshmallow roasting forks for my Camp OnAqua kids to use at the bonfire this summer. At a dollar each they could not be passed up. Brenda, knowing me all too well, insisted that they be put away in the car before she would go to any more sales with me. Somehow over the years she has gotten the impression that a long fork in the hands of a prankster such as myself would be a bad thing. She knows me too well.Rummage sales are my kind of sport. I have found many a treasure, I’m happy to report. They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Who could close the gate on such reasonably priced pleasure? Story ideas or comments can be e-mailed to Nancy at Nancy861@msn.com or please call me at 962-3411.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMITNOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, by the City Planning Commission that a public hearing will be held in the Council Chambers located on the second floor of City Hall, 203 East Main Street, Luverne, Minnesota, at 5:00 p.m., Daylight Saving Time, on Monday, May 15, 2006, to rule and make a recommendation to the Luverne City Council on a requested conditional use permit application submitted by Richard Opsata to allow the building of a storage building at 421 W. Edgehill Street, Luverne, MN. The subject property is in the flood plain.All persons wishing to be heard in favor of or in opposition to the conditional use request should be present at the hearing or present written comments prior thereto to the Building Official. Anyone needing reasonable accommodations or an interpreter should contact the City Clerk’s Office, 203 East Main Street, Luverne, MN (507) 449-2388.By order of the Luverne City Planning Commission of Luverne, Minnesota, this 1st day of May, 2006.Marianne Perkins City Clerk(5-4)

NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW FOR THECITY OF LUVERNEThe Board of Review of the City of Luverne will meet on Tuesday, the 16th day of May, 2006, in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 203 E. Main Street-2nd floor, starting at 4:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. Property owners who wish to appeal the valuation or classification of their property are hereby notified to appear at this meeting. The Board of Review cannot act on current year property taxes. They can only act on the valuation or classification of property for the 2006 assessment year for property taxes to be paid in 2007. MARIANNE PERKINSCITY CLERK(5-4)