The Luverne VFW Post #2737 and the American Legion Post #123 need more volunteers to serve on the Honor Guard. The VFW and Legion are called upon to carry on the tradition of properly presenting the American flag at community events and to honor those veterans that go before us.Many of our present Honor Guard members have asked that they be offered a chance to retire. The VFW and Legion Honor Guard members are aging and some are finding it more difficult to accomplish their mission. They are very dedicated and feel deeply the great honor it has been to be a part of the final rites military ceremony of our fellow service people. This service for our fellow departed veterans must continue through the decades to follow. A recent news article said there were 839 veterans in Rock County in 2004. As veterans, we served our country in the past and should continue to do our part to foster and perpetuate Americanism; and to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness. An information meeting will be at 7:01 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, at the Luverne Legion Post Home. As a veteran, we ask you to answer this call. Come to the meeting to provide input and hear the details about becoming a member of the Honor Guard. Don’t let this honorable opportunity pass you by. You’ll be pleased about how great you feel serving your fellow veterans who so honorably served our country. We look forward to seeing you at the meeting.Warren Herreid, VFWJay Mann, American Legion

Hills-Beaver Creek Dist. 671Minutes12-12-05The Hills-Beaver Creek School Board held a Truth-In-Taxation meeting at 6:00 p.m. No one from the public attended. The Hills-Beaver Creek School Board met for its semimonthly meeting at 8:00 p.m. in the library in Hills.Board members present were DeBoer, Crawford, Esselink, Boeve, Leuthold, Baker and Harnack. Superintendent Deragisch and Principal Holthaus were also in attendance.The meeting was called to order by Chairman Harnack. Visitors to the meeting were recognized by the chairman. Visitors were Lexi Moore of The Crescent, and board member elect Chris Harnack. Motion by Esselink, second by Crawford, and carried to approve the agenda with the addition of 4.3 Elementary School Recognition. Patriot Pride: Jacob Bos for participation in the Singing Boys of Sioux Falls Thanks to Rollie Crawford for filling out the term of Matt Larson Thank you to Alan Harnack for years of service on the board 5-Star achievement of 193 in Math and 222 in ReadingElementary report was given by Mr. Holthaus. High School report was presented by Superintendent Deragisch.Motion by Crawford, second by Baker, and carried to approve the minutes of the last meeting as sent out. Motion by DeBoer, second by Boeve, and carried to approve the bills.Motion by Crawford, second by Leuthold, and carried to approve the 2006 final levy certification at $404,412.16.Motion by Esselink, second by Baker, and carried to accept the preliminary audit. Motion by Leuthold, second by Crawford, and carried to approve Policy #514 Bullying Prohibition Policy.Motion by Esselink, second by DeBoer, and carried to approve Policy #516 Student Medication Policy.Motion by DeBoer, second by Boeve, and carried to raise the mileage reimbursement to 42¢ per mile beginning with miles used January 1, 2006.Dates to Remember: January 9 School Board meeting January 11-13 MSBA Leadership Conference January 23 School Board meetingAgenda items or next meeting: AuditorMeeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.Ann Boeve, Clerk(1-12)

Grace Cornelia Van Wyhe, 78, of Hills died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2006, at the Hospice Cottage in Luverne.Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at the Steen Reformed Church in Steen. Burial will follow at Eastside Cemetery in Steen. Grace Van Wyhe was born Feb. 20, 1927, to Gerrit and Wilmina (Juffer) Hoff in Steen. She attended Rock County Country School District 61. On June 21, 1946, she married Chris Van Wyhe on her family’s farm where she was born and raised. They farmed north of Hills for 54 years, then moved to a farm east of Hills for six years. Mrs. Van Wyhe worked at Tuff Nursing Home in Hills for five years.Mrs. Van Wyhe was a member of Steen Reformed Church, where she was active in Women’s Ministry, served as chairperson of the service committee, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She was also a member of the Steen Extension Club. She enjoyed playing cards, embroidery, cooking, baking, collecting cookbooks, reading, and traveling with her husband to see their children.She is survived by her husband; three sons, Conley (Nancy) Van Wyhe, Hills, Darwyn Van Wyhe, San Diego, Calif., and Terry (Tammy) Van Wyhe, Copper Center, Alaska; three daughters, Carlene (John) DeKam, Grand Haven, Mich., Gloria (Stan) Bonnema, Richfield, and Marsha (Gerhart) Baker, Ham Lake; nine grandchildren, two stepgrandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; and one step-great-grandchild; three sisters, Geraldine (John) Gorter, Pipestone, Alvina (Don) Christoffels, Luverne, and Leona (Marv) Veldkamp, Brandon, S.D.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Art Hoff, and one grandson, Joel DeKam.Roste Funeral Home of Hills is in charge of arrangements.

Lorna May Heiden, 90, Luverne, died Thursday, Jan. 5, 2006, at Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne. Services were Monday, Jan. 9, at St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne. The Revs. Gary Klatt and Bill Sabol officiated. Burial was at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne. Lorna Carter was born to John Edgar and Dorinda Lucretia (Hamilton) Carter on March 20, 1915, in Roosevelt. She was raised in Roosevelt and graduated from Roosevelt High School. She later moved to Luverne. She married George Heiden on Feb. 3, 1945. Mr. Heiden died in June 1952. She worked in the restaurant business for 25 years. She worked at Gimm and Byrnes Café for five years, Robers Café for five years, and the Luverne Bowling Alley for 10 years. She later bought the Homeplate Cafe in Beaver Creek and operated the business for five years until she retired. She then lived with Vernice Weiland for several years before moving to Blue Mound Towers in 1986. She moved to the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne in April 1998.Mrs. Heiden was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne. She was a past member of church circles and Ladies Aid. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She was a wonderful cook! She enjoyed bowling and crocheting. Survivors include two children, Elsie Mulligan, Luverne, and Eugene (Charlotte) Heiden, Sioux Falls, S.D.; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; two great-great-granddaughters; and other family and friends.Mrs. Heiden was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two brothers, George and Kenneth Carter, and one sister, Elsie.Hartquist Funeral Home, Engebretson Chapel, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.

A few weeks ago while in Garretson watching my brother play freshman basketball, I stopped at a local bar and grill for dinner with my husband and mother.As I ate my food, I noticed a bulletin board on the wall full of photos, notes and maps. Upon further inspection, I figured out that the board was honoring area service members. It detailed where they were stationed, how they could be reached and photographs of them.Although some photos were typical military portraits, similar to school pictures, others were photos obviously taken by the young men and women on location.Those photos defiantly spoke a thousand words. A woman in fatigues standing in the middle of a dirt street watching school children cross is still vivid in my mind.Stumbling upon this bulletin board reminded me of a conversation I had this fall with Hills resident Wendell Erickson. He had mentioned how it would be nice if a local business would display a list of service members from our area.At the time, I was in a hurry to leave one event and get to a meeting, so I didn’t give the conversation much thought. But as I studied the faces and words on this particular evening, I discovered why such a display would be an asset to our community.I am still amazed when I get a call from an area family to report that their son or daughter has received a military award or even just graduated from basic training. I would be willing to bet that most families don’t even call – so that I have no idea how many of our residents or former residents are out in the world defending the great US of A.When I stop at Orv’s to get my gas, I can’t help but glance at the headlines of the Argus Leader. The war in the Middle East seems to deliver death on a regular basis.So far, the war hasn’t brought death to the doorsteps of our community – we are lucky. I feel we should honor our soldiers now, not wait until they return home or until tragedy strikes. Whether they are in the Middle East trying to rebuild a nation, training on American soil or maintaining the peace in a distant land, they deserve recognition.My goal in relaying this story to my readers is the hope that someone will step up and take the initiative to get a similar display started in our area.I think it is important for the children of our community to see just how many of their neighbors are a part of the American military, and I think it benefits everyone to see just where these former H-BC Patriots are today.Additionally, I believe with contact information posted in a public area, these brave volunteers would suddenly see an increase in their e-mail, in care packages and in prayers.Again, I challenge area businesses, organizations and residents to make a few phone calls and try to get something started.I would love to learn about these men and women. Chances are, I will not know any of them, but it would still be nice to learn their names.I am willing to use my pen, as editor of the Crescent, to help make this happen. If anyone wants to help me, please call me. Alternatively, if any area businesses have a few feet of space on their wall, I would be willing to buy the bulletin board.Support starts at home, and for now, these unknown area soldiers deserve our support. We can’t hug them or change the horrible situations they are in, but we can show them that we respect them and honor them for their sacrifices.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)"Almost a year ago to date, the Hills Economic Development Authority approved the first draft of the plans for a four-plex apartment unit. One apartment is currently rented. Another apartment should be ready to be rented by the end of this week. The third and fourth unit should be finalized by the first of February."25 years ago (1981)"The Rock County Welfare Board announces the appointment of Ione Bush to the position of Coordinator of Aging for Rock County. The position was established to replace the former Senior Citizens’ Director position.Mrs. Bush, a graduate of Luverne High School, and a resident of Hills, has been employed as a homemaker for the Rock County Family Service Agency since 1974."50 years ago (1956)"Mrs. Ruth Hammer began her duties as 2nd grade teacher last Tuesday. Mrs. Scholten, who had been the teacher, is now teaching the first four grades at Ash Creek."75 years ago (1931)"F.J. Kaufman, formerly of Minneapolis, has entered into partnership with Bert Berghorst and their garage will be known as Kaufman and Berghorst Garage. …Kaufman and Berghorst have installed a lot of machinery and equipment and are ready to handle all your motor and tire troubles." 100 years ago (1906)"At a recent meeting of the city council of Luverne, by a tie vote, the question of reconsidering the revocation of Claussen’s license was lost. The application of Steinmiller for license having previously been withdrawn, leaves Luverne with only four saloons until the spring elections. Still four too many."

All the children and grandchildren of Wendell and Kathryn Erickson, except Ericka who is in California, were home for Christmas. Margaret was also a supper guest on Jan. 7.Brianna, the 10-year-old daughter of Tim and Wendy Buss, has been troubled with apnea. She has spent some time in Rochester at the Mayo Clinic and will continue to receive treatment for the sleep disorder. Pam and Shane Mc Nath and their sons of Centerville, S.D., and Shari and Denny Doerr, Luverne, along with Mark, Kelly and family of Hills, were Christmas guests in the home of their parents, Erwin and Faith De Boer. A 4 o’clock wedding was solemnized Saturday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills when Carolyn Norton became the bride of Jim Starzl. Carolyn is the daughter of Frazer Norton of Roseau and Floyd and Jo Wulf, Herrick, S.D. Jim is the son of Bob and Alice Starzl of Edgerton. The reception was at the Beaver Lodge in Beaver Creek. Starzl family members from Georgia, while the Sandager members came from the Cities area also attended, along with some Goehle family members. The couple will make their home in Sioux Falls where both are employed. On Saturday, Kathryn Erickson’s cousin, Enoch Thorsgard of Northwood, N.D., was their visitor. Tim and Dana Vink and three daughters have moved from Tulare, Calif., to their new home in Zeeland, Mich. They spent their first Christmas in 10 years in the home of Dana’s parents, John and Carol Van Maanen. Others present were Diane and Darcy Van Gorp and family along with other family members. Charles Erickson, Waconia, has been activated to a tour of duty in Iraq. Charles is a major in the Army Reserve and previously served time in Pakistan.

By Sara QuamRock County Commissioners Tuesday discussed their displeasure in having to pay old sales tax bills to the state of Minnesota.Commissioner Bob Jarchow said, "I don’t want to go down quietly on this one. I can’t believe that we just got audited and this started in 1992, and now we’re supposed to pay?"Newly elected Chairman Jane Wildung said, "We should pick our battles; it’s only $8,000."The state of Minnesota started a policy in 1992 requiring public bodies to pay sales tax on purchases.The county does a fair amount of business across state lines — largely for Highway Department equipment at dealerships in nearby Sioux Falls.In the past, the county has paid sales tax in South Dakota and paid the state of Minnesota the difference if it was more in Minnesota.County Administrator Kyle Oldre said, "Clearly there was no intent to not pay the tax since we paid the difference."State auditors now say the county is exempt from paying the sales tax in South Dakota, and it should pay the total to Minnesota, no matter where the purchase was.Now, the county is supposed to collect that sales tax from South Dakota. The board laughed at that notion. The county will have to pay Minnesota $8,200.The county will change its practices from now on while making purchases. It is armed with a letter from the auditor to show businesses explaining the South Dakota sales tax-exempt policy.In other business Tuesday, commissioners:
Adjusted the salary of County Engineer/Public Works Director Mark Sehr. There was a $3,000 miscalculation (short of what it should be) in the amount passed at the previous board meeting.His salary is $78,000 and will increase to $83,000, $88,000 and $93,000 in consecutive years, beginning Jan. 1 this year.
Set a public hearing to receive comment on the new election process. The state has mandated the purchase of new machines, and township officials and other election workers will need to learn new procedures. It is in compliance with the Help America Vote Act, which ensures that all polling places are handicap accessible.The hearing will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, in the Rock County Family Services building.
Reviewed snow removal routes on county roads. Commissioners and the Highway Department have received compliments throughout this winter. However, there have been complaints about roads in the Hills-Beaver Creek area not being cleared in time for school buses and working commuters.The board said it would set up a meeting about the timing of route work with the school district. The board also acknowledged that wind and continuous accumulation make it nearly impossible for roads to be in perfect condition at all hours of the day. Each snowfall is different, and workers can’t work 24 hours a day.

By Lori EhdeFuneral services for 13-year-old Tyler Veld will be at 10:30 Friday morning at St. Anthony’s Church in Lismore.Veld, an eighth-grader at Adrian Middle School, died from injuries he sustained in a snowmobile accident Monday afternoon.He was reportedly snowmobiling with friends when he collided with a milk delivery truck while crossing Nobles County 35 one mile west of Rushmore.The accident was reported shortly after 3 p.m. and Veld was taken by ambulance to Worthington Regional Hospital and then transferred to Sioux Falls.The milk delivery truck driver, 61-year-old William Timmerman, Sibley, Iowa, was reportedly uninjured.The boy is the son of Troy and Cindy Veld, Lismore, and he has grandparents in Luverne.His maternal grandparents are Keith Smedsrud and Mary Sites, Luverne, and his great-grandfather is LeRoy Foight, also of Luverne.Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday in St. Anthony’s Church in Lismore with the family present from 4 to 8 p.m. A prayer service is planned at the church at 7 p.m.Adrian Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.