As the earth around us becomes increasingly cluttered, it’s reassuring to believe the skies above us will continue to be orderly, neat and pristine. Like most residents of fly-over land, we expect to see the wispy, white trail of a jet flying from one coast to another or hear the sputter-sputter of a crop duster. Other than those few interruptions, we can see no more than the varying colors of the skies, a moon, a sun, rainbows and a scattering of stars. That could all possibly change with the addition of outsized billboards, designed to orbit the earth while still being visible to the naked eye. That’s why the Federal Aviation Administration proposed last month that it be allowed to enforce a yet unwritten law that prohibits "obtrusive" advertising in zero gravity. According to the FAA, outsized billboards placed in low Earth orbit could be as large as the moon and could hinder astronomers. "Large advertisements could destroy the darkness of the night sky," an FAA spokesman told Reuters. On a larger scale, billboards adrift in space might change the way we look at our culture and how we rank astronauts among the world’s riskiest career choices. It will be a sad world when the last thing to go through an astronaut’s mind would be a gigantic billboard for a popular brand of mouthwash. If we continue introducing satellites and eventual billboards into outer space, we will someday be unable to distinguish between natural and man-made objects up there. Nursery rhymes and even popular songs will have to be rewritten. We will teach our grandchildren the words to "Twinkle, twinkle, little billboard" and "Billboard light, billboard bright, first billboard I’ve seen tonight — I wish I may, I wish I might have the wish I wish tonight." The little ones will also have to be taught, "Hey diddle-diddle, the cat and the fiddle, the cow jumped over the billboard." It might not sound quite as catchy as the original version, but change happens. Jiminy Cricket will have to reappear and sing, "When you wish upon a billboard," and someone resembling Judy Garland will have to record, "Somewhere Over the Billboard." Other songs to be rewritten might include, "By the Light of the Silvery Billboard", "Billboard Glow" and "Billboards fell on Alabama Tonight." The billboards will reflect advances in space travel and how we look at the ever-shrinking world around us. We might expect to read, "401,000 miles to Wall Drug" and "Fill up now! Last rocket fuel stop for next 50,000 miles." Rest stop areas will be reported to be light years apart. Roadside Burma Shave signs, which entertained us in the 1950s, might stage a comeback with series of space-side signs placed every 10,000 miles for space travelers. For those unfamiliar with the Burma Shave signs, here’s an example of what once appeared on a series of five signs: "Doesn’t she kiss you — like she useter? Perhaps she’s seen — a smoother rooster! Burma Shave." Humor was more simple then. Although the Burma Shave signs were eventually discontinued, the shave cream people must have foreseen an era of orbiting billboards in outer space when they parodied, "Twinkle, twinkle — one-eyed car — we all wonder — where you are! Burma Shave."

I love the month of July.I was born on July 7, so the month was special to me even before I knew what months were.It helps that when I was a kid, I would spend the month at the pool, at the lake, running through sprinklers, playing softball and getting sun with my siblings and friends.I am a summer girl at heart. I moved to Texas with the silly idea that I would enjoy the heat, but I soon learned it was not the heat I liked about summer (July in particular) it was the activities of Midwestern summers that I liked.I love that I can be outside until nearly 10 p.m. here in the Midwest and still have daylight, that the temperature hovers around 90 for most of the month and that everything is green.As I child I was convinced that America was really celebrating my birthday week on July 4. The fireworks, picnics and time off from work were just in honor of me. I LOVED IT!Even after I learned the holiday was in honor of America’s Independence, I still secretly watched the fireworks, thinking they were a special birthday gift to me.It is a tradition in my family to join my grandfather and his Legion buddies in Sioux Falls on the Fourth for a breakfast feast at the park. The Legion members host the breakfast when they finish hanging American flags around town.The eggs, bacon and French toast served at that breakfast are the best I eat all year. They are smoked with the memories of years past — of my deceased grandmother and how she would fuss over everyone having plenty of napkins, syrup or coffee.Above all, it is probably the memories that make July such a special month.Every year I add to my vault of July memories, and every year the old memories become more vivid.I have always been very spoiled throughout the month. Friends go out of their way to make me feel special. My parents spent more time driving us around from lake to river to camp site to park than any other time of year.After last week’s crabby column about the woes of homeownership, I figured I needed to step back and remember what I was thankful for in life and how blessed I am.Thankfully, that was easy to do when I looked at my calendar and realized that July was only days away.I would soon be meeting my grandfather for breakfast, swimming with my niece and watching my husband learn how to jet ski with my aunts, uncles, parents and siblings.Memories are important, but it is more important to enjoy the moments of one’s life so that the memories of tomorrow can be made.Story ideas or comments can be emailed to Lexi Moore at lexim@star-herald.com or called in at 962-3561.

10 years ago (1995)"Ferdinand and Evelyn Tilstra celebrated their family, friends and farm Saturday, July 1. For 50 years, some members of the Tilstra family have lived on the farm. This is not an uncommon occurrence for the area, but the event was attended by more than 100 friends, family members and neighbors. Some from as far away as Texas, Washington and Virginia. "25 years ago (1980)"Rock County 4-H steers have placed well at recent area steer shows, according to Kent Thiesse, County Extension Director. A steer owned by Peggy and Wendy Cragoe of Hardwick was named grand champion steer at the Northwest Iowa Angus Field Day held last week. Kathy Reverts also exhibited a steer at the Angus Field Day and placed second in the heavyweight class. Brett Miller, rural Magnolia, exhibited the reserve champion steer at the Limousin Sired Steer Show in Jackson on June 21." 50 years ago (1955)"Vermayne Sundem son of Mr. and Mrs. Herb Sundem of Hills, has been recommended for a Sears-Roebuck Foundation freshman scholarship of $200 in the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Home Economics of the University of Minnesota."75 years ago (1930)"H. Jochims, proprietor of the Palace theatre in Luverne, has just recently installed the most modern cooling system in his popular place of business and no matter how warm the day, customers will always find the temperature not too cold, neither too warm — but just right. The new device is known as the ‘Artic Nu-Air,’ and the best that money can buy.During the extreme hot weather for the next few months you will find the Palace theatre the coolest place in town, and besides, the air is washed before it enters the building."100 years ago (1905)"W.N. Davidson was down from Luverne several days last week re-surveying the three lots of Nelson and Christopherson, a half block from A.C. Finke and the Synod church cemetery. The latter had not been surveyed for 20 years and it was found that the same covered more ground than was deeded, the east line passing over several graves. This cemetery is becoming quite crowded and there is some discussion as to the advisability of securing a new graveyard, for there is some danger of the present yard being condemned by some board of health in the future."

Florence DeBoer, 84, Brandon, S.D., formerly of Sioux City, Iowa, died Sunday, June 26, 2005, at Avera McKennan Hospice in Sioux Falls, S.D.Services were Wednesday, June 29, at Dingmann Funeral Chapel in Luverne. The Rev. Bert DenHerder officiated. Burial was at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne.Florence DeBoer was born to Jurrien and Florence (Huizenga) DeBoer on Oct. 4, 1920, in Perkins, Iowa. She attended school in Doon, Iowa. After her education she moved to Stockton, Calif., and later to Cincinnati, Ohio, where she worked for a short time. She moved to Sioux City and worked for Swift Packing Company for 38 years until she retired in 1982. She moved to Brandon in December 2003. She had been a resident of Avera McKennan Hospice since April 2005. Ms. DeBoer was a member of Christian Reformed Church in Luverne. She enjoyed gardening, playing cards, bowling, reading and traveling to California.Survivors include one brother, Peter DeBoer, Beaver Creek; two sisters, Effie DeBoer, Luverne, and Barbara VanTol, Ripon, Calif.; two sisters-in-law, Helen DeBoer, Luverne, and Albertha DeBoer, Ripon; and many nieces and nephews. Ms. DeBoer was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, John DeBoer, Chuck DeBoer and Bill DeBoer, two sisters, Anna Anema and Ruth Hengeveld, and four infant siblings. Dingmann Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.

Glenn Rye, Sun City, Ariz., attended the Hills High School class reunion and together with Dale and Jill Rye, Renner, S.D., attended church services at Bethlehem on Sunday. Berneta Johnson, Russell, was an overnight guest of Bob and Twila Kirsch Saturday. All attended the class reunion Saturday night at Beaver Lodge. Lee and Betty Sandager, Marine on the St. Croix, were Saturday overnight and Sunday guests in the home of Sheldon and Ellie Sandager. Marv and June Albers, Cheryl and Cheyenne Pavel and Lonnie Albers and Ann spent 11 days at Ipswich, S.D. They were taking care of Terry and Cheri’s fishing lodge. Harriet Skattum spent Saturday and Sunday a week ago with Margo and Dewayne Edwards and other relatives at Forestburg, S.D.Ray and Lois Nelson attended the annual Eden Lutheran Church service, potluck dinner and afternoon program Sunday at the church near Jasper. They met Ray’s cousins Ardith Sween and Vivian Rickford from Tyler and enjoyed a good visit. Bernt Lie of Norway spent last weekend with Wendell and Kathryn Erickson. They went to Lake Madison in South Dakota where Pat and Kirsten Anderson have a cabin. Joining them were Margaret Erickson, Worthington, and Mike and Anna Gilman and children. Harriet Skattum accompanied Sonja and Mike Brouth to Wendell and Teddy Skattum’s cabin near Deerwood where they spent from Tuesday until Friday a week ago.Visitors of Bob and Twila Kirsch were Brian Kirsch, Deb and Luke Mathias, Cindy Pohlman and Breeann Wheeler. Roy Harrell spent from Friday night until Saturday noon in the home of Sheldon and Ellie Sandager. The men had worked together years ago in Ghana. Chuck and Rheta DeBoer and Frank and Berdella DeBoer spent Saturday in Ocheyedan, Iowa, where they helped Berdella’s brother, Alan Vanden Meulen and wife celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary. Rita Bode, our Hills postmaster, attended funeral services Saturday for her mother, Gertrude "Trudy" Schwader, 76, at Howard, S.D. Trudy died suddenly at the home of her daughter on Monday, June 20, 2005, in Sioux City, Iowa. She is survived by six daughters, three sons, nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, three brothers and three sisters. Her husband preceded her in death. Dave Hensel and son, Caleb, spent Saturday in Guttenberg, Iowa, at the home of Dave’s mother, Penny Hensel. Alice Kolsrud underwent surgery Thursday at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls. She is expecting to be transferred to a swing bed at Luverne Community Hospital to recuperate. Six-year-old Lydia Boehlke, New Ulm, spent the weekend with her grandparents, Jim and Marj Roning.

Where does the time go? It seems with the coming of spring we inherited a lot of special holidays. Perhaps it is with the coming of spring we are all anxious to get outdoors no matter what the reason! This coming week we will observe one of our more special holidays, at least for me, the 4th of July! Perhaps after that we can all settle down and catch up on our yard work, or maybe take a vacation!Former Steen resident, Beth Sakuri, daughter of Mickey and Nelson Bonnema, who makes her home in Japan and has for a number of years, arrived at the Sioux Falls airport on Friday evening on her way home to this area. She was met at the airport by several relatives including Ginger France, Sioux City, Iowa, Mike and Jody Bonnema, Joyce and Jo Aykens and Mildred Keunen, all from Steen. They enjoyed supper together at the Fryin’ Pan in Sioux Falls before leaving for their homes. Ginger and Beth stopped at Tuff Home in Hills to visit her mother before going home. Beth will stay with Ginger France at her home in Sioux City. She plans to return to her home in Japan around the middle of July, if you wish to see her. Friday morning Mildred Paulsen and her friend Jean Fellman from Worthingon attended the United Methodist Women officers’ retreat at Redwood Falls. The retreat was for former officers who had worked together through the years. It is an annual event and plans are now being made for the retreat in Luverne in 2006. Orrin and Bernice Aukes attended the Winkalwinch family reunion at Wall, S.D., last Friday and Saturday. They meet every three years so we had better believe they had much to talk about. The Steen Opportunity Extension Club joined the Master Gardeners Tour in Luverne Monday evening. Gary and Carlotte Paulsen, Ogden, Iowa, were Monday callers in the home of his mother Mildred Paulsen. Later, they traveled to Pipestone on business and also to Rock Rapids and back to Mildred’s before they returned to their home that evening. Cheryl Hup and Melba Boeve attended graduation on Saturday for Brian Boeve, who graduated from the Colorado Technical School in Sioux Falls.Several from Steen Reformed Church attended the American Reformed Church observance of their 50th anniversary on Sunday. Quartette music was provided for both afternoon and evening services. Several from Steen attended the Christian Women’s meeting at Rock Rapids United Methodist Church Wednesday noon for dinner with a program following. Those attending were Henrietta Huenink, Winnie Scholten, Joan Hoogeveen and Lucy VanWyhe.This coming week we will celebrate the 4th of July when we as Americans prepare to acknowledge all of our many and wonderful freedoms. In case we haven’t thought about that for some time, here are a few things to remind us all of the many things freedom allows us to enjoy! Happy 4th of July!Symbol of FreedomBy W.G. VollmerOn June 14, 1877, the Congress of the United States enacted a resolution:" ,,, that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes alternate red and white, that the Union be thirteen stars white on blue field representing a new constellation."In 1895, eighteen years later, June 14 was designated officially in the United States as Flag Day.The flag of the United States is a symbol of freedom and justice.It is a symbol of hope to the millions of people who live in fear, in poverty, and in slavery. To millions of people throughout the world, it is a symbol of rich material blessing and a land of opportunity. In the hearts and minds of these millions of people is a deep yearning that some day … somehow … they may have the opportunity of making their home in this great land of ours. In these days of doubt and fear and uncertainty, when freedom and justice are so seriously threatened, it is fitting that we should pause to rededicate ourselves to the basic principles symbolized by our flag. These principles have sustained us throughout our history.They have enabled us to triumph when our freedom and our security were threatened. They have made it possible for us to grow in power and in prosperity. They have strengthened us when we faltered … given us courage when we were afraid … united us when we were divided. In the principles of freedom and justice which our flag symbolizes lie our strength and our hope for the future. For our own sake, and for the welfare of those who follow us, we should make sure that they do not perish in our time.

As the earth around us becomes increasingly cluttered, it’s reassuring to believe the skies above us will continue to be orderly, neat and pristine. Like most residents of fly-over land, we expect to see the wispy, white trail of a jet flying from one coast to another or hear the sputter-sputter of a crop duster. Other than those few interruptions, we can see no more than the varying colors of the skies, a moon, a sun, rainbows and a scattering of stars. That could all possibly change with the addition of outsized billboards, designed to orbit the earth while still being visible to the naked eye. That’s why the Federal Aviation Administration proposed last month that it be allowed to enforce a yet unwritten law that prohibits "obtrusive" advertising in zero gravity. According to the FAA, outsized billboards placed in low Earth orbit could be as large as the moon and could hinder astronomers. "Large advertisements could destroy the darkness of the night sky," an FAA spokesman told Reuters. On a larger scale, billboards adrift in space might change the way we look at our culture and how we rank astronauts among the world’s riskiest career choices. It will be a sad world when the last thing to go through an astronaut’s mind would be a gigantic billboard for a popular brand of mouthwash. If we continue introducing satellites and eventual billboards into outer space, we will someday be unable to distinguish between natural and man-made objects up there. Nursery rhymes and even popular songs will have to be rewritten. We will teach our grandchildren the words to "Twinkle, twinkle, little billboard" and "Billboard light, billboard bright, first billboard I’ve seen tonight — I wish I may, I wish I might have the wish I wish tonight." The little ones will also have to be taught, "Hey diddle-diddle, the cat and the fiddle, the cow jumped over the billboard." It might not sound quite as catchy as the original version, but change happens. Jiminy Cricket will have to reappear and sing, "When you wish upon a billboard," and someone resembling Judy Garland will have to record, "Somewhere Over the Billboard." Other songs to be rewritten might include, "By the Light of the Silvery Billboard", "Billboard Glow" and "Billboards fell on Alabama Tonight." The billboards will reflect advances in space travel and how we look at the ever-shrinking world around us. We might expect to read, "401,000 miles to Wall Drug" and "Fill up now! Last rocket fuel stop for next 50,000 miles." Rest stop areas will be reported to be light years apart. Roadside Burma Shave signs, which entertained us in the 1950s, might stage a comeback with series of space-side signs placed every 10,000 miles for space travelers. For those unfamiliar with the Burma Shave signs, here’s an example of what once appeared on a series of five signs: "Doesn’t she kiss you — like she useter? Perhaps she’s seen — a smoother rooster! Burma Shave." Humor was more simple then. Although the Burma Shave signs were eventually discontinued, the shave cream people must have foreseen an era of orbiting billboards in outer space when they parodied, "Twinkle, twinkle — one-eyed car — we all wonder — where you are! Burma Shave."

I am certain most of the readers of the Hills Crescent were aware that two weeks ago Ken Burns, director and producer of "The Civil War" and "History of Baseball" for viewing on PBS, was in Luverne.They were shooting film for Burns’ next major project, "The War" — World War II as it affected Luverne, Minn., Mobile, Ala., Sacremento, Calif. and Waterbury, Conn.I was informed last week that Florentine Films, Ken Burns' Company, is looking for pictures from Rock County that reflect life on the home front during World War Two. They, Florentine Films, have enough coverage from the veterans’ side but not enough from the civilian/home front side.If you have photos of that nature and are willing to share them with Florentine Films, you would be contributing to Rock County and its role in World War Two. Copies of originals are fine, originals of course are welcome! Be assured that any pictures sent will eventually be returned.You have two ways to get the pictures to Florentine Film: oYou can get them to Betty Mann, Rock County Historian in Luverne oor you can mail them to the following address:FLORENTINE FILMSATTN: Meghan Horvath 875 Sixth Ave. Suite 1911New York, New York, 10001-3507The actual presentation of "The War" is scheduled for 2007. Thanks for helping!Col. (Ret) Jim Fleming

STATE OF MINNESOTA IN DISTRICT COURTCOUNTY OF ROCK FIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICTSOUTHWEST MINNESOTA FARMERS COOP,f/k/a LUVERNE FARMERS ELEVATOR, INC.,f/k/a FARMERS CO-OPERATIVE ELEVATORCOMPANY OF LUVERNE Plaintiff,AND SUMMONSLeROY D. TWEET AND DONNA TWEET;COCHRANE FERTILIZER, INC; J.R. SIMPLOTCOMPANY; HAWKEYE LAND COMPANY; LAND O’LAKES, INC.; AND ALL OTHER PERSONS AND ENTITIESUNKNOWN AND THEIR UNKNOWN HEIRSCLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, ESTATE, FILE NO.INTEREST, OR LIEN IN THE REAL ESTATEDESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN, Defendants.THE STATE OF MINNESOTA TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED AND REQUIRED to serve on Plaintiff’s attorney a Response to the complaint which is on file in the office of the Court Administrator of the above named Court within twenty (20) days after service of this Summon upon you, exclusive of the day of service. If you fail to do so, judgment by default will be taken against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint which involves, affects or brings in question real property situated in the County of Rock, State of Minnesota legally described as follows, to-wit: Kenneth PropertyAll that part of the former station grounds of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Company in the Village of Kenneth, Minnesota, located in the North Half of the Southeast Quarter (N1/2 of SE1/4) of Section Two (2), Township One Hundred Three (103) North, of Range Forty-four (44) West, of the 5th P.M., Rock County, Minnesota, described as follows: Commencing at a point on the East line of Section 2, which is 175 feet South of the South line of First Street in the Village of Kenneth, as the point of beginning; thence westerly 350 feet along a line 175 feet South and parallel with the South line of First Street; thence Northerly along a line parallel with the East line of Section 2, to a point on the south line of First Street which is 350 feet West of the East line of Section 2; thence Easterly along the South line of First Street 350 feet to the East line of Section 2; thence Southerly along the East line of Section 2 to the point of beginning, and subject to highway easements.ANDAll that part of the former station grounds of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Company in the City of Kenneth, located in the North Half of the Southeast Quarter (N1/2 of SE1/4) of Section Two (2), in Township One Hundred Three (103) North, of Range Forty-four (44) West, of the 5th P.M., described as follows:Commencing at a point on the East line of Section 2, which is 300 feet South of the South line of First Street in the City of Kenneth, as the point of beginning; thence Westerly 568 feet along a line 300 feet South and parallel with the South line of First Street; thence at right angles and Northerly 125 feet (to a point 175 feet south of the South line of First Street); thence Easterly along a line 175 feet South of and parallel with the South line of First Street to the Section line; thence Southerly along the Section line to the point of beginning, and subject to highway easements.Luverne PropertyA parcel of land located in the Northeast Quarter (NE1/4) of Section Eleven (11), Township One Hundred Two (102) North, Range Forty-five (45) West of the 5th P.M., located in the City of Luverne, Rock County, Minnesota, described as follows:Beginning at the intersection of the west line of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Company’s Right-of-way, now abandoned, and the south line of Dodge Street; thence Easterly along the south line of Dodge Street a distance of 150 feet; thence Southerly at right angles a distance of 50 feet; thence Easterly at right angles a distance of 50 feet to a point on the east line of said right-of-way; thence Southerly along the east line of said right-of-way a distance of 250 feet; thence Westerly parallel to Dodge Street a distance of 200 feet to a point on the west line of said right-of-way; thence Northerly along the west line of said right-of-way a distance of 300 feet to the point of beginning, subject to easements, if any.EXCEPTING THEREFROM:The West twenty-five feet (25 ft.) of the above described property.The object of this proceeding is to Quiet Title to the real estate described above by excluding the Defendants from any interest in said real estate.Dated: June 6, 2005By: /s/ Benjamin Vander Kooi, Jr.Attorney for PlaintiffBENJAMIN VANDER KOOI, JR.VANDER KOOI LAW OFFICES, P.A.127 East Main, P.O. Box 746Luverne, Minnesota 56156(507) 283-9546Attorney I.D. No. 112124(6-9, 6-16, 6-23)