10 years ago (1995)"The Hills City Council voted unanimously to place the Hills Municipal Liquor Store and building up for sale Tuesday, June 12. The Council’s decision is contrary to input received from residents at a meeting last month. Approximately 15 area residents attended a special meeting May 23 to express opinions concerning the liquor store’s future. Most attending the meeting felt that the City should maintain ownership of the facility and expand the building."25 years ago (1980)"The new animated Hills community float got its first workout this week at Ellsworth’s Dairy Days parade. The float, designed and built by George Schlueter, was the only animated float in the Dairy Days parade which included some 70 entries. The unit did not place, but was not judged while in motion."50 years ago (1955)"At a recent meeting of the 270 Club, which was organized some years ago to perpetuate the grading and blacktopping of the trunk highway leading into Hills, decision was made to go ahead with plans to secure further improvements in road conditions to this area. The Club is especially interested in getting the road blacktopped into Steen and also the road from Hills west to the state line surfaced. Both would join up with the present 270, but will now be county projects, it is assumed."75 years ago (1930)"It will be of interest to our readers to know that P.H. Rognley has again graduated from the National University at Washington, D.C., with two more degrees being conferred upon him, the degree of Doctor of Juridical Science, and the degree of Master of Patent Law. It will be remembered that last spring he received the Bachelor of Laws degree." 100 years ago (1905)"A bunch of horse traders were in town Saturday with a large drove of horses. The Crescent is of the opinion that ordinance No. 3 prohibits these kind of people from staying in town all day and they should be made to move on as soon as they arrive."

Congratulations go out to the Hills Community Club for organizing the Hills Friendship Days 2005. And thanks to the FFA, the Lions Club, the Hills Christian School for their participation; also to the nurses and helpers at the Health Fair, and the merchants and folks who sponsored the various events. The sports events were well attended and the food was great, so the day went off as planned and except for a few sprinkles of rain now and then and a bit of wind, I’m sure everyone enjoyed themselves. The big news in Hills is that Tyler Bush took first place in the state track meet at Blaine as he captured the Class A 800-meter run in the time of 1:58.77.Sig and Jo Jacobson and Orv and Bonnie Sundem attended the 80th birthday celebration last Sunday for Gert Karli at Bethany Meadows, Brandon, S.D. Gert is a sister of Jo Jacobson and an aunt of Bonnie Sundem. Deneise Swanson of Big Fork came Friday to spend Friendship Day here and visited her father until Sunday. Friday noon dinner guests of Marie and Delwyn Walraven were Marie’s nephew and his wife, Gary and Molly Walraven, of Colorado Springs, Colo. Also with them were their daughter, Lisa and two children, Nia and Joshua, of Pueblo, Colo. Saturday morning Charles Harding, Mankato, visited Eva Cragoe and Fran Sandager. He is a distant cousin of Fran. Spending the weekend visiting Rich and Henrietta Leenderts in Hills were their children and families. Present were Connie and Wally Hagedoorn and Ali, Pine Island, Kelly and Amber Hagedoorn Hastings, Arlen and Lois Leenderts and family, Hills, Darrell and Melanie and Lauri Leenderts, Brookings, S.D., and Brenda and Scott Smith, Prior Lake. The DeBoer family had an early Father’s Day when Jeremy and Rachel Van Beek, Doon, Iowa, Seth and Susan Hofman, David and Grace, Melvin, Iowa, and Chuck and Rheta DeBoer gathered for supper Thursday evening at Doon.Marianne and Arie Drooger, Edgerton, Grace Van Maanen of Rock Valley, Iowa, and Margaret Bakker went to Mitchell, S.D., on Wednesday to visit cousins. Fran and Karen Sandager attended the Norse Sangerfest in Canton, S.D. A group of the ladies toured the historic Kennedy building. Mark, Karen and Fran also attended the evening concert. Mitchell and Madison Elbers, Valley Springs, S.D., spent Saturday and Sunday in the home of their grandparents, Wilmer and Betty Elbers. Willard Gropel, Luverne, died Sunday morning at Sioux Valley Hospital. He was 92 and Luella Schleuter’s brother. Funeral services were Thursday morning at United Methodist Church in Luverne, with burial at Marion, S.D. Gerry Schleuter, Lake Park, Bonnie Olson, St. Paul, Laurie Hynes, St. Louis Park, and Luella attended the services.

Our weather seems to continue in the same pattern. We are very fortunate that we have not had many severe storms. Hopefully spring is here. When I read this article titled "June is Special" by Emma Faith Maclaine it made me appreciate all of the beauty we are able to enjoy in this month. June is Special"In the month of June it seems nature is a spendthrift taken by an irresistible urge of generosity.The bulb flowers have already been admitted when trees and bushes have bust into bloom. The lilacs, magnolias and dogwood are gone, but the pink and white flowering bushes are still in bloom and roses are climbing walls and trellises. A full moon in June seems to me to be one of the loveliest manifestations along with the twinkling stars pursuing their orderly course. When June comes knocking, we are always grateful for whatever it brings as it all comes from God." Many from the Steen area attended Friendship Days in Hills this past weekend. I have heard many complimentary remarks about the weekend. The parade was very nice. Several from Steen also attended the Health Fair as well as many other activities. Even the weather cooperated and a good time was had by all!Several couples from the Steen community left Tuesday for a fishing trip at West Lost Lake which is near Underwood. They returned home on Saturday. Those enjoying the weekend were Art and Henrietta Boeve, John and Jane Bosch, Pete and Jane DeBoer and Arvin and Cena Mae Tilstra. Sunday afternoon visitors in the Orrin and Bernice Aukes home were their grandson, Brian Aukes, Beaver Creek, and his friend Joanna Hougland, Sioux Falls, and Orrin and Bernice’s daughter, Mary Crawford from Beaver Creek.Bible School was completed at Steen Reformed Church on Friday. During the Sunday School hour on Sunday there was an open house for those who were interested in seeing what the children had done, and also a coffee hour. This year the Vacation Bible School donated funds for the Christian Fellowship of Athletes’ trip to El Salvador and Guatemala.Milton Bonnema’s family will host an open house to celebrate Milton’s 90th birthday from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 18, at Steen Reformed Church. A program will be at 3 p.m. Millie Vander Brink underwent surgery at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester recently. She continues to be hospitalized there at the present time. Orrin and Bernice Aukes and Mildred Paulsen attended a potluck supper Sunday evening with members of the Luverne United Methodist Church Friendship Club which was at Mattie Peterson’s home in Luverne. As you know June 14 is Flag Day. Years ago it was a holiday and many gatherings were held in honor of it. In later years we have heard very little about it so even though it is past for this year, I think we need to know the history of it. Along the Way"June 14 marks the 199th anniversary of the adoption of the American flag in 1777. In the British colonies of North America before the Revolution, each of the 13 colonies had its flag. On Jan. 2, 1776, the first flag of the United States was raised at Cambridge, Mass., by George Washington. This was the Grand Union flag which consisted of 13 stripes, alternated with red and white, with a blue canton bearing the red cross of St. George and the white cross of St. Andrew. On June 14, 1777, Congress enacted a resolution "that the Flag of the United States be 13 stars white in a blue field representing a new constellation." In 1895, June 14 was officially designated as Flag Day."

By Lori EhdeHigh School Principal Gary Fisher will start the new school year on July 1 in a new administrative position.During a special meeting Friday, School Board members hired Fisher to be the district superintendent."It’s a good opportunity," said Fisher, who’s been Luverne High School principal for 14 years. "I’ve been around long enough to know a few people and I think I know the district."He said he’s ready to embrace the challenges and changes that come with a new job, but he said he doesn’t want to lose his connection with students."That’s a major thing, and I’m going to work on that," he said.The advantage of a superintendent’s position, he said, is that he’ll be better connected with the elementary school now.In fact, all his duties will be district-wide. "School finance will be a challenge," he said. "I used to budget for my buildings (high school and middle school) but now I’ll be budgeting for the whole district."He said he’s comfortable with the overall health of the district."I think we’re really solid with our programs and curriculum," he said. "And I’ll work to continue that."Major hurdles on the horizon, he said, will be getting the referendum passed this fall and negotiating teachers’ union contracts this summer.The board approved Fisher’s superintendent salary at $99,000 plus benefits for the first year, with a 3-percent raise the second year.As principal, he was earning a base salary of $91,230.Fisher has his superintendent’s license and he’ll maintain the same duties that current Superintendent Vince Schaefer had, including Alternative School Director.Schaefer resigned from the post effective July 1, to pursue a position in the Beresford, S. D., district.Fisher said he applied for the superintendent position in Luverne six years ago when Schaefer was hired for the job."I’ve learned a lot from Vince," Fisher said. "I think I’m more prepared now after working with him for six years."He said the district ran smoothly under the teamwork of the two principals and superintendent."The last six years have been really good, and it’s because of a team effort on many of the decisions that were made," Fisher said."I want to find another person to work well with that team. He said he appreciates the board’s decision to hire him. "It makes me feel good to know I have support from the community," he said. "It will make the transition a little bit easier."

By Lori EhdeU.S. Sen. Mark Dayton stopped in Luverne Thursday, June 2, to pump ethanol at Farmers Union Co-Op Oil on South Highway 75.Dayton filled his own ethanol-powered SUV in Luverne while promoting 85 percent ethanol-blended fuel, known as E-85. He also filled a Ford Taurus owned by LHS student Brad Herman. Dayton washed windows and chatted with local students, politicians and ethanol supporters."Any Minnesotan looking to buy a new vehicle should be sure to ask for a flexible fuel engine, which runs on E-85," Dayton said, "because the price of gas is going to keep increasing while ethanol continues to be a cheaper alternative." Right now in Luverne, E-85 costs $1.39 and unleaded gasoline costs $1.95."Instead of spending $115 billion yearly on foreign oil, we can put that money back into the pockets of Minnesota farmers by buying this corn-based fuel," Dayton said.His E-85 tour included stops in Minneapolis, Austin, Luverne, Mankato, Marshall, Rochester, and Worthington. "Minnesotans can buy the vehicles they like to drive and fill up with homegrown fuel that's more energy efficient, more environmentally friendly, cheaper, and potentially more beneficial for our rural economy," Dayton said.He said 7 percent of vehicles now sold in Minnesota have the flex fuel option, but less than a third of the drivers are using that option.That’s why he was on the road Thursday to promote E-85.He said Minnesota motorists should use ethanol when they can, rather than continuing to depend on fuel from foreign countries. "It’s an economic grand slam," Dayton said, "but, so far, we haven’t managed to get to first base." Last month, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed Dayton’s amendment requiring automobile manufacturers to display a decal on the gas tanks and windshields of E-85-compatible vehicles effective in 2007. It would inform motorists that the vehicle is capable of running on the alternative fuel.Dayton has also introduced two other pieces of legislation, the Freedom from Foreign Oil Act, which would require all vehicles, beginning in model year 2012, to be E-85 compatible; and the Renewable Fuels Standard, which would add eight billion gallons of ethanol to the nation’s gasoline supply, each year, effective the same year. Two weeks ago, Dayton traveled to Detroit to visit the manufacturing plants of General Motors and Ford Motors and to meet with vehicle designers and engineers to discuss ways to provide more of America’s drivers with the option of using E-85. At each of his stops, Dayton presented a new feature of his official Senate Web site that allows Minnesotans to determine whether their own vehicles are E-85 compatible and to locate E-85-supplied gas stations in their area. The Web site is at: http://dayton.senate.gov/issues/agriculture/renewablefuels.cfm.

By Sara QuamAfter almost 20 years in business, Alex Frick is ending his tenure as owner of Manitou Carpets.He sold the business to Mike and Dawn Van Den Top, Rock Rapids, effective June 1. Mike has worked as a flooring installer for 10 years and has done much of the work for Frick’s customers for three years.Mike said, "I just wanted to get into the retail side of things more and get off my knees. I want to retire someday and be in good shape."Frick isn’t retiring, though. "I am going to be more intentional about my ministry," Frick said.He said he will likely be active as an interim pastor for various churches in need and work in "visitation ministry."He and Sharon are moving to Richfield, which is close to three of their children and their grandchildren.Frick will work through the month of June before the Van Den Tops take over Manitou Carpets."I think people will really like Mike and Dawn," Frick said. He started the business in 1987 and his wife, Sharon, has been a part of it since 1993. The first location was in the former Manitou Hotel, which explains the unique name of the business.The Van Den Tops plan to hire one person to work about three days a week. Otherwise, Mike will be at the store. He said the business will stay much the same as it is. There will be some interior remodeling and an expanded product line, but the store already has a healthy selection, he said.The Van Den Tops said they plan to have an open house after they are settled into the store.

By Sara QuamLuverne citizens have a chance to give their opinion on the direction of the city and who will help lead it at a special meeting at 7 p.m. Monday in the Luverne Elementary School Commons.The Luverne City Council discussed this Tuesday at the recommendation of the City Administrator Advisory Committee, which met Monday. Council member Esther Frakes said, "We are seeking input from the public related to the identification of community needs and qualities of an administrator."City Attorney Ben Vander Kooi said, "This is a public meeting, open to everyone, and we’re hoping for a big turnout."Steve Perkins will facilitate the meeting.People attending the meeting will be able to offer input on the direction they’d like to see Luverne turn in the next five to 10 years; goals that should be accomplished in the next 12 to 18 months, and what they are looking for in a new city administrator.The City Administrator Advisory Committee is gathering information now, such as an administrator job description and community profile, and is starting the process of advertising for the position. Committee members hope to have interview candidates ready for the City Council by August, and a new person hired in September.The Committee members are Mayor Andy Steensma, Frakes, David Smith, Steve Perkins, Connie Connell and Barbara Berghorst.The Luverne City Council Tuesday also addressed how the city will be managed in the interim, without an administrator at the helm.The Council passed an ordinance for administration procedures until a new one is found.Existing staff is being asked to fill in the blanks, and department managers will receive raises for their extra work without an administrator. Barbara Berghorst and Marianne Perkins will receive 20 percent pay increases for the time without an administrator and Al Lais and Ken Vos will receive 10 percent raises. A management committee of City Clerk Marianne Perkins, Finance Director Barb Berghorst, Public Utilities Supervisor Al Lais, Public Works Supervisor Ken Vos, Mayor Steensma (or acting mayor Pat Baustian in his absence) will meet at least once a week.The meetings will cover basic city business and will report to the Council, as well as attend all Council meetings. New streetlightsThe Council approved specifications and the advertisement for bids for new lighting on Main Street to be completed before the street is redone this year.The lights will stand 14 feet above the ground and will be an old-fashioned design, with a glass globe on top of each.Some corner poles will have double lights, and the stop lights at the intersection of Main and Cedar will be replaced as well. There will be 75 new lights installed.

By Mark Remme A new health program targeting citizens over the age of 65 was addressed and passed at a Tuesday morning Rock County board meeting. The Minnesota Department of Human Services plans to implement the new program known as Minnesota Senior Health Options (MNSHO), which will assist citizens of age who are eligible for Medical Assistance and Medicare. Rock County Family Service Agency Director Randy Ehlers said the plan would cater to 100 eligible citizens within the county, 34 of whom aren’t being served right now. Through federal reimbursement, the program will actually earn the county about $37,420 in 2006.Clients will sign up or be enrolled with Managed Care plans that administer the program, such as UCare Minnesota and Blue Plus. Care for patients would be listed under one seamless plan which helps deter numerous insurance plans for patients, Ehlers said. Clinical services, acute hospital services, nursing home care, and assisted living are all areas listed under the seamless program. Along with the acceptance of the new plan for senior citizens within the county, authorization from the county board for a new FTE social worker was asked for and passed. The FTE worker would fill the need for a county Care Coordinator required by the new health plans. The Care Coordinator is the contact person for the clients to call regarding service questions. In Rock County, the number of constituents who are eligible for MNSHO is listed as a half-time caseload for the projected County Coordinator. The Family Service Agency plans to hire the FTE worker full time and distribute half the workload toward children’s mental healthcare within the community. "Children’s mental health is always a major concern but is something we haven’t focused on a lot in Rock County," Ehlers said. "This position would help us redistribute staff responsibilities and help us focus more on that area of care." The new position would be filled by the first of October at the earliest but more realistically in mid-November, Ehlers said.

I would like to remind people what the vote was for getting rid of the city administrator. I do believe there was more than one "yes" vote so why, David Hauge, would you not petition to get all of them out? The way it looks is you cannot stand that you lost to Maynard Lafrenz in the last Council election and now you use this as an excuse to get back in office. I think the administrator had cost the city some money, too, so you are in the same situation if he stayed. But can you explain why you don’t think the other two people who voted yes had no factual basis to terminate, met in a "rolling quorum" which I am sure when you were on the council that also happened. Maynard was not in charge of the meeting and didn’t call the meeting. There were others in the meeting and I think the mayor was in charge. So, Mr. Hauge, take your loss like a man and if you would like to run again at the next election go ahead. But when you lost once by the vote of the people that should be enough. Now look at what time and money you are wasting. I am sure that I could beat you in an election, too. Accept your loss and move on. Orv GreenRural Luverne