By John RittenhouseZach Wysong and the Luverne High School baseball team earned the right to compete for the Section 3AA Tournament championship today in Granite Falls.The Cardinals won four elimination games in a seven-day span to earn a shot at Pipestone, the event’s lone undefeated team, for the section title. The teams will meet at 5 p.m. in today’s first game. A win by LHS in the opener would set the stage for a championship game later tonight.Wysong, a Hills-Beaver Creek High School senior, made key contributions in all four games played since June 1.Wysong made his presence felt in the field and at the plate during a 4-3 win over Windom in Marshall Tuesday.He tossed three and two-thirds innings of two-hit, two-strikeout, scoreless relief to pick up the pitching win against the Eagles.Wysong, who was 1-3 at the plate and scored one run, was hit by a pitch before scoring the team’s first run in the bottom of the fourth.With one out and runners on first and second in the seventh inning, Wysong hit a ball that was booted by Windom’s shortstop, allowing the tying run to score. Luverne won the game with another unearned run in the bottom of the eighth.The senior slapped four hits, scored three runs and drove in three runs when the Cardinals won a pair of elimination games in Granite Falls Monday.LHS and LQPV played to a scoreless draw through three innings before Wysong ignited a six-run rally in the top of the fourth by delivering a single and scoring the game’s first run.He went 2-3 at the plate during a 7-1 victory over the Eagles.Wysong was even more productive during a 17-8 victory over Montevideo in Monday’s second game. He was 2-4 at the plate, scored two runs and drove in three.The LHS shortstop doubled home two runs and scored during a six-run second inning. Wysong contributed a sacrifice fly to the effort in the third inning and doubled in the seventh, scoring the game’s final run. Wysong had a big game during an 8-3 win over T-M-B in Milroy June 1.He drove in two runs with three hits at the plate, and he picked up the pitching win by tossing three and one-third innings of one-run relief.Wysong tied the game at two when he slapped an RBI single in the top of the second inning.The score remained tied until the sixth, when Luverne scored four times to break the game open. Wysong drove in the first run of the sixth with a single.Luverne will take a 15-9 record into today’s contest against the Arrows.

NOTICE OF FILING DATES FOR ELECTION TO THE SCHOOL BOARDINDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 671HILLS-BEAVER CREEKSTATE OF MINNESOTANOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the period for filing affidavits of candidacy for the office of school board member of Independent School District No. 671 shall begin on July 5, 2005, and shall close at 4:00 o’clock p.m. on July 19, 2005.The general election shall be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2005. At election, four members will be elected to the School Board for terms of four (4) years each. Affidavits of Candidacy are available from the school district clerk, Hills, Mn. The filing fee for this office is $2. A candidate for this office must be: an eligible voter, must be21 years of age or more on assuming office, must have been a resident of the school district from which the candidate seeks election for thirty (30) days before the general election, and must have no other affidavit on file for any other office at the same* (primary or next ensuing) general election.The affidavits of candidacy must be filed in the office of the school district clerk and the filing fee paid prior to 4:00 o’clock p.m. on July 19, 2005. Dated: June 6, 2005 BY ORDER OF THE SCHOOL BOARD/S/ ANN BOEVE,SCHOOL DISTRICT CLERK(6-9, 6-16)

Hills-Beaver Creek Dist. 671 Minutes5-23-05The Hills-Beaver Creek School Board met for its semimonthly meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the library in Hills. Board members present were Larson, Harnack, DeBoer, Esselink, Boeve, Leuthold, and Baker. Superintendent Deragisch and Principal Holthaus were also in attendance.The meeting was called to order by Chairman Harnack. Motion by Larson, second by Baker, and carried to approve the agenda.Visitors to the meeting were recognized by the chairman. Visitors were Lexi Moore of the Crescent and Haley Larson and staff member Teri Richards who gave an update on the Spanish trip. Patriot Pride: Matt Larson, last school board meeting Emily Walgrave, retirement MN Dept of Ed releaseJesse Zarmbinski 1st and Katey Isbirg 3rd in Spelling BeeAwards NightElementary report was given by Mr. Holthaus.High School report was presented by Superintendent Deragisch.The minutes of the last meeting were corrected to show that Baker seconded the motion to approve the agenda for the May 9, 2005, meeting, not DeBoer as sent out. Minutes stand approved after correction. Motion by Boeve, second by Esselink, and carried to approve the K-12 Science curriculum. Motion by Leuthold, second by DeBoer, and carried to approve summer contracts. Book of the Week: Laura Louwagie, Mary Mudder, Diane VandenHoek, Angie Blosmo each at $500.00 and Sara Oldre at $660.00. Special Ed Mary Mudder $920.74, Jil Vaughn $967.96. Legislative update was given by Gary Esselink.First reading for Policy #210 – Conflict of Interest-School Board MemberFirst reading for Policy #211 – Criminal or Civil Action Against School District Board Member, Employee or Student. First reading for Policy #213 – School Board Committees.Dates to Remember: May 27, 2005 Graduation 7:00 p.m. June 6, 2005 School Board Mtg 7:30 p.m. June 30, 2005 School Board Mtg 7:30 p.m.Agenda items for next meeting: School Board member replacement, LEA rep. appointmentMeeting adjourned at 9:00 p.mAnn Boeve, Clerk(6-9)

10 years ago (1995)"Steen Reformed Church completed a new building last August, and after a two-year stint with no officiating pastor, the congregation’s calling has been answered.The Rev. Daniel Ramaker, 52, Adams, Neb., will serve as the church’s pastor beginning in mid-August. News of Ramaker’s acceptance was read in church Sunday." 25 years ago (1980)"Descendents of Ole Bjerk Sr. held their annual reunion Sunday, June 8, 1980, at Beaver Creek Community Hall with 35 attending — representing 10 families of the 23 children. Mrs. Edna Lien of Hills and Mrs. Jeannette (Conrad) Anderson were present of the four still living. Olaf and Edwin are also still living. Edwin lives in Luther Manor in Sioux Falls, S.D. Mrs. James Bjerk of Luverne, who will be 91 this year, was also present. The family of Ole Bjerk Jr. had the largest representation of 11. Mrs. Annie Hoven Ward of Big Ford was the one coming from the furthest away. The states of Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota were represented." 50 years ago (1955)"Fritzie Nuffer, son of Mr. and Mrs. F.A. Nuffer, arrived home last Thursday from West Point Military Academy, where he has completed one year of training. This is his first trip home during that time. He will be home for one month. When we asked Fritize how he liked it, he replied, ‘I like it pretty well and one thing is sure, they keep you plenty busy so we don’t have time to get lonesome.’ There are 150 cadets in his class. Fritzie was appointed by the Minn. U.S. representatives in Congress. As far as we can ascertain, there have been only three or four young men from Rock county who have previously had this honor."75 years ago (1930)"The Junior Short Course at the University Farm, St. Paul, June 3-6, was attended by ten Rock County 4-H Club boys and girls. The following are those, who, through their fine results in 4-H club work in the past, earned trips to the course: Helen Johansen, Inez Lorange and Arnold Roen, Luverne; Douglas Sjolseth, Charles Skovgaard, Lucille Nuffer and Pearl Skovgaard, Hills; Eleanor Stegemann of Beaver Creek; Helen Falk and Robert Kamerude, Sherman, S.D."100 years ago (1905)"Fred York is seriously considering the proposition of erecting a residence built of cement blocks which are said to be cheaper than lumber. If these cement blocks are all they are claimed to be, it will make it possible for some of our business men to replace their frame buildings by these cement fireproof structures. Let someone make a start."

Vicki Nelson, Mankato, and Bruce Nelson, Brooklyn Center, were memorial weekend visitors at their parents, Ray and Lois Nelson.Betty Elbers attended a RELIV Conference in Rapid City, S.D., Friday and Saturday. Wendell and Kathryn Erickson attended the 50th wedding anniversary party for Art and Donna Dahlen on May 28 at the Senior Citizens Center in Luverne. Ray and Lois Nelson attended the ninth annual spring concert of the Sioux Empire Brass Society at Brandon Performing Arts Center Friday night. Cliff and Vi Van Wyhe visited Friday at the home of Wayne and Eloise Warner and their daughter, Jan, who was home for the weekend at Larchwood, Iowa. Wendell and Kathryn Erickson spent from Friday until Sunday in the home of Anna and Mike Gilman in Eden Prairie and enjoyed a mini-reunion with their children and grandchildren.Sunday the Sioux Falls Municipal Band began their summer schedule of concerts at McKennan Park and Terrace Park in the afternoon and evening. Lois Nelson and Al Berdahl are Hills members. Ray Nelson and Bob and Twila Kirsch attended the night concert. Brett and Jo Solberg of Lansing, Kan., came to Hills May 27 to spend some time with their grandparents, Ron and Jan Solberg. The foursome went to Fosston to see their great-grandmother, Violet Solberg. The youngsters will be spending this week here while attending Bible School at Bethlehem. Bob and Twila Kirsch attended the graduation party Saturday evening for Katie Kraetsch at Kanaranzi.Sheldon and Ellie Sandager and Mike and Nancy Sandager and family have returned home after spending the Memorial weekend at the ranch at Herrick, S.D.Betty Elbers spent a few days in the home of her daughter, Cheryl, in Valley Springs, S.D., caring for the children while Cheryl was on vacation.Wendell Erickson attended funeral services Tuesday, May 24, for Shirl Held, the former superintendent of Worthington Public Schools. Don and Edyth Briggs went to Winner, S.D., Saturday when Don played in the band of the El Riad Spring Ceremonial

Everyone has been anxiously awaiting some warm weather so they could get outdoors and catch up on their gardening, lawns, flowers and, of course, the weeds. However, our weather has been not very cooperative. It has had one pattern, dark and cloudy, showers of rain and then the wind blows which makes it very difficult to plant garden and do the other necessary things that need doing in the spring. Monday morning we awoke to bright sunshine, the wind wasn’t blowing and the temperature was nice and warm. I have been patiently waiting for just such a day so that I could get out and catch up with all of the things that need doing outdoors. Monday morning reminded me of the old song, "Oh! What A Beautiful Morning!" It was a beautiful balmy day. Do you suppose spring is here at last?Arvin and Cena Mae Tilstra left Thursday to attend the wedding of Arvin’s niece, Shawn Tilstra, at Bryan Center, Mich., on Saturday. They returned home on Sunday evening.Last Thursday’s guests in the Melvin and JoAnn Paulsen home were Herb and Jo Roos, Sioux Center, Iowa, Dorothy Mullins from California and her niece. Dorothy and JoAnn had been classmates in school and she was also JoAnn’s bridesmaid.Vacation Bible School began on Monday at Steen Reformed Church. Their theme this year is Serengeti Trek, where kids are wild about God.Don Boeve had surgery at Luverne Community Hospital in Luverne on Wednesday. Congratulations to Valerie and Cory Meinerts on the birth of a baby boy, Daniel James, born on Wednesday, June 1. There will be a free summer ragtime concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 25, at the Steen softball field. If you haven’t heard ragtime for a long time, you will want to be there. Summer swimming lessons will be Monday, June 20, through Friday, July 1. For those wishing to participate, there are forms to fill out at H-BC schools. H-BC Summer Book of the Week Club will be from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 22 and 29 and July 6 and 13. Forms may be filled out at school if you wish to participate. Hills Friendship Days are Friday, June 10, and Saturday, June 11. These are fun days for all of the family. Plan to join them. We are living in very trying times. Every day the news is very difficult to hear. We all want to do what we can to bring peace to our world but it does take time and patience. Thinking of this, I found this article, "Faith of Our Fathers" and since we will observe Father’s Day soon, I felt it would be nice to know how much the fathers of our nation went through to provide us the security and lifestyles we all enjoy.Faith of Our Fathers"Faith of our fathers, living still, in spite of dungeon, fire, and sword."What heroic pictures parade before our imaginations as we sing these thrilling words!A tiny ship in a thundering sea as great souls dare the unknown to find a land in which they will be free to worship.Farmers at a little bridge in Concord, and a shot heard round the world; the first shot in a war to establish that men have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Washington on his knees in the snows of Valley Forge, lifting his voice in prayer for his starving freezing soldiers.Covered wagons moving across deserts, fording rushing rivers, climbing over the rugged mountain passes … valiant men and women thrusting our frontiers to the setting sun. A tall, gaunt man on the battlefield at Gettysburg, speaking immortal words "… that this nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the earth."A soldier in a dimly lighted dugout in France writing a poem to challenge the spirits of men: "The Torch: Be yours to hold it high! If ye break faith with us who die we shall not sleep though poppies grow in Flanders Field."Faith! The power that has conquered the wilderness. That has built skyscrapers to pierce the clouds. That has dotted the land with schools and colleges and churches. That has said to all men, "Here is a free land in which you can reach for the stars!"That faith is victorious! We shall go marching on, for from farms and cities, from offices and factories, are coming the new champions of that faith. They are flying silver-winged planes in the sky. They are riding rumbling tanks. They are sailing ships. They are firing guns. They are telling the world that our way of life will go on. They are upholding the faith of their fathers!Wilferd Peterson

Shortly after my 40th birthday, I stumbled upon one of life’s greatest truths. "Women’s lives are divided into two distinct parts," I wrote, "a time when they wish to look pregnant and a time when they don’t." Twenty-some years later, an even greater truth has surfaced. This time it’s clear that most adults’ lives are divided into two halves — the first half when we worry about how many miles our cars will get to a gallon of fuel, and the second when we worry about how long we can get by on a cup of coffee before needing a restroom. The answer to the post-age-50 bladder control crisis was recently revealed on a British gadget and gizmo Web site. According to a posted news article at the site, a UK company, started up by a distant relative of the inventor of the toilet, has created a new handheld GPS device for locating public restrooms throughout that country. The global-positioning i-Poo apparently displays the location of 43,000 or so public restrooms in the U.K. and will give its operator the fastest walking directions to the nearest one. At first the news sounded almost too good to be true. "If however there is no public toilet within 600 meters, "the article added, "the software will also direct you to an open restaurant, pub or if after closing hours, a darkened alley." A warning flag should have gone up at this point, but reading about the GPS system overwhelmed the rational part of my brain. Clearly, GPS systems are no longer limited to luxury vehicles or golf carts at posh country clubs. A hand-held global positioning system would also allow its user to quickly locate garage sales and spectacular sales events at favorite stores. With the help of additional technological devices, we might even become "carborgs" — cyborgs that are half human and half automotive accessories. Carborgs would definitely give new meaning to words such as "shifty" and "shiftless." For example, flip-down, overhead cosmetic mirrors such as those found on car visors could be permanently attached to our foreheads. No matter what age, a woman can never be too prepared for cosmetic breakdowns. Tiny windshield wipers could be attached to our bifocal glasses. They would be perfect for life’s blinding moments — unexpected rain storms, opening a dishwasher door while the contents are still steaming hot or sitting through the final, tear-choking scene of "Beaches," when Bette Midler belts out "The Wind Beneath My Wings." Much like the messages on the dashboards of our cars ("Service in 2,000 miles" or "Check oil"), flashing messages on our handheld i-Poos could signal, "Make appointment for annual physical" or "Refill prescriptions." Inflatable air bags could be suspended from our elastic waistbands and hang over our hips for accidental falls and spills. Falling down and not being able to get up would no longer be a problem. With air bags on our hips, we would bounce right back to our standing positions. Instead of carrying a simple Walkman when we walk for exercise, we could become portable entertainment centers, complete with tape players, CDs, radios and miniature TVs. With carborgs for parents, our children would rave, "You should see my mom. She’s a ‘42 Michigan with lots of miles and her chassis could use a little work, but she’s very reliable." As noted earlier, at least one warning flag should have been raised. A closer examination of the iPoo story revealed it had been posted at midnight, April 1, 2005. What a disappointment.

The Hills High School Graduates of 1945, once again are organizing a reunion, to be held on Saturday June 25, 2005 at the Beaver Creek Country Club.The gathering starts at noon that day. There will be catered food available at reasonable costs. The emphasis this year is to extend a SPECIAL INVITATION TO THE GRADUATES/ATTENDEES FROM THE THIRTIES AND EARLY FORTIES! I need not tell you the ranks get thinner every year!It would be great to see Denny Ronning, Bob Kirsch, Sheldon Sandager and of course Ray Nelson and this is not to exclude anyone else whose name was not used. Obviously the out-of-town grads are especially invited. Do you think Irene, Dorothy and Phyllis will be there?If you wish to attend and we hope you do, please contact Everett Fikse at 507- 962-3324! Due to an agreement with the Beaver Creek Country Club please contact Ev Fikse by SUNDOWN on Friday June 17, 2005. Ev should still be up and awake!I know if old Addle Pate were still with us, he would be in attendance and there would be a NO skipping school function tolerated!! Since he still communicates with me once in awhile, usually when I am asleep, I don't want poor attendance at the June 25th gathering to have him wake me up again!SEE YOU THERE!Jim FlemingPS: Casual Dress Encouraged!

Alfred W. "Al" Knobloch, 76, Rock Rapids, Iowa, died June 2, 2005, at his home in Rock Rapids. Funeral services were Monday, June 6, at Apostolic Christian Church in Lester, Iowa, with burial at the church cemetery.Alfred William Knobloch, the son of Emil and Frieda (Doerr) Knobloch, was born December 25, 1928, at Alvord, Iowa. He grew up near Alvord and attended country school. After school he worked on area farms before joining the United States Army in 1951. He was stationed in Germany as part of the Signal Corps. Mr. Knobloch married Lucille (Lucy) Spohr on November 20, 1954, in Elgin, Ill. The couple settled near Lester, Iowa, where they farmed for 35 years. He also worked as a carpenter and part-time salesman. In 1986, following recovery from a motor vehicle accident, he retired from farming. He then worked for Lester Feed and Grain . In 1997 he and his wife moved to Rock Rapids.Mr. Knobloch was a member of Apostolic Christian Church in Lester. He was also a member of the American Legion and VFW. He enjoyed traveling, gardening, carpentry and time with his family.He is survived by his wife, Lucy; six children, Ronda (Jim) Thielen, Sioux Falls, S.D., Lola (Dan) Deragisch, Eagan, Kim (Todd) Massner, Mediapolis, Iowa, Carla Knobloch, Rock Rapids, Cameron (Tamara) Knobloch, Whittemore, Iowa, and Penny (Jim) Domnick, Morris; seventeen grandchildren; five brothers, Gilbert, Melvin, and William Knobloch, Rock Rapids, Silas Knobloch, Lester, and Clyde Knobloch, Mackinaw, Ill.; and three sisters, Libbie Den Hartog, Shelley, Ind., Naomi Knobloch, Lester, and Esther Warner, Rock Rapids. Mr. Knobloch was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Frieda, and a daughter, Pamela.Roste Funeral Home, Rock Rapids, was in charge of arrangements.