Arlo was a gentle giant. He was about 6 feet, 4 inches, and large framed. He farmed until middle age and then entered the ministry. Entering the ministry is challenging enough, but to crank up the classroom skills at middle age after farming for years is a daunting task. After finishing school he became a pastor in rural parishes. Although I don’t know the time frame exactly, I would say he served about 20 years until he was in his late 60’s. It was then that Arlo returned to his home, Our Savior’s Lutheran of rural Henry, S.D. Our Savior’s was the cradle of his faithful beginnings and now he returned to the place I was serving in my first parish.When I first met Arlo I nearly wrenched my neck looking up into his face, but his soft eyes and welcome smile softened my heart. He was loose jointed and wore a crew cut that as far as I could tell hadn’t changed over the years other than it was now a snowy white. My hand disappeared in his. He sealed our handshake with his free hand and said, "I am so thankful for your ministry here." I could tell that Arlo would not only be a blessing to the congregation, but a blessing to my life as a person and as a pastor.About a year after Arlo arrived, there was a time when some challenges in my ministry and personal life came to a head. I am generally quite resilient, and being a young upstart, I had not yet faced a mountain I could not climb. But I was at the end of my rope. Arlo was the only person I felt I could go to for consolation. He was my pastor. As I drove up to his trailer house my heart was heavy. But as soon as I stepped out of the car, he ducked his head under the front door and invited me in. He gave me something warm to drink and offered me a chair. And then he listened as I poured out my grief and frustration. He didn’t offer me solutions but a space where I felt as though I encountered the presence of Christ. And when I had finished he offered me a prayer. I felt an overwhelming sense of healing. It was as if Jesus himself had laid his hands upon me as the words poured from his lips. He re-presented Christ to me. Last week the Argus Leader announced to me that Arlo died. I dedicate this devotional offering in memory of Rev. Arlo Eidsness, who taught me to humbly present Christ to each person I meet.

ICE SERVICE PLANT TO BE OPENED SATURDAYThe following appeared in the Rock County Herald on June 17, 1932:Pure Ice Company Offers Curb Service at New Station on No. 9; 25 Lbs. Of Ice free on Opening DaysA.P. Fitzer, of the Pure Ice Co., this week announced that the formal opening of his new ice service plant on trunk highway No. 9, in the southwest part of Luverne, will be held on Saturday and Sunday, June 18th and 19th, and that the public is cordially invited to call at the plant on those days, in particular. As a special inducement, those who do so, and who fill out the coupon published elsewhere in this issue, will be given a twenty-five-pound cake of pure manufactured ice, free of charge. This gift will be limited to one to a family.In connection with the opening special emphasis is placed upon the fact that curb service will be offered at the cooling plant every day in the week, from early morning until quite late at night, although the company also specializes in the forenoon delivery of ice in any part of the city. The local company handles manufactured ice exclusively and it is obtainable in any amount desired. In connection with the opening of the cooling station, the motor service station immediately adjacent to the ice plant will also stress its service, which consists of Rock county Co-Operative Oil company gasoline and oil products, sold on a regular basis of profits being pro-rated to customers. The proximity of both service places makes it possible to give better service than would otherwise be possible, especially in regard to the curb service of the Pure Ice Co.Donations to the Rock County Historical Endowment Fund can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, P.O. Box 741, Luverne, MN 56156. Mann welcomes correspondence sent to mannmade@iw.net.

As people make plans to celebrate the Fourth of July with family and friends, the fun of a long weekend can sometimes overshadow the real purpose of the holiday. It’s a time to recognize when America declared independence on July 4, 1776, from England.An important symbol of freedom for the United States of America is our flag — the red, white and blue stars and stripes.While discount stores sell tablecloths, napkins and paper plates decorated with flags for this occasion, there are still proper ways to use our country’s symbol.The U.S. Flag Code specifies how to show respect for our flag. There are details in it that many of us don’t need to know, but here are some general guidelines:oRaise the flag briskly; lower it slowly and ceremoniously.oFly the flag outdoors only between sunrise and sunset, unless you illuminate it during the dark hours.oWhen lowering the flag, do not let it touch the ground or touch any other object.oAlthough you should generally display the flag every day, do not display it during a rainstorm or a heavy snowfall unless it is an all-weather flag.oWhen displaying it on the same pole with another flag (e.g. a state flag) always position the U.S. flag at the top.oNever carry the flag flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free. That our flag is flying free is as much a symbol of our country as is the flag itself. When displaying the flag against a wall, vertically or horizontally, position the stars at the top, to the observer's left.oClean and mend a flag when necessary. If it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, destroy it in a dignified manner. Contact a local veterans’ group to inquire about flag retirement ceremonies.Just remember that properly using our country’s flag is a way of showing respect for everything it has seen us through — from the American Revolution through today. The Rock County Star Herald Editorial Board is comprised of Roger Tollefson, Rick Peterson, Lori Ehde and Sara Quam.

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.