Abner C. Josendahl, 88, Luverne, died Saturday, Feb. 26, 2005, at Palisade Manor Nursing Home in Garretson, S.D.Services were Wednesday, March 2, at Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne. The Revs. Maurice E. Hagen and Dell B. Sanderson officiated. Burial was in Maplewood Cemetery, Luverne. Abner Josendahl was born to Amund and Julia (Edmundson) Josendahl on Sept. 1, 1916, in Luverne. He graduated from Hills High School in 1935. He received a degree in math and economics at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, in 1939. He worked as an accountant at a Ford dealership in Decorah after his college education. He returned to the Hills area and farmed the family homestead. He later farmed in the Garretson area until his retirement. He was a member of Palisade Lutheran Church, rural Luverne, and served as treasurer and also served on the centennial committee. He married Ellamae A. Appel on July 20, 1974. They lived in Luverne. He moved to Palisade Manor Nursing Home in Garretson Oct. 13, 2003. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne. He enjoyed hunting and fishing at his cabin on Lake Shetek. Survivors include his wife, Ellamae Josendahl, Luverne, and a niece, Ann L. (James R.) Peterson, Sioux Falls, S.D.Mr. Josendahl was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Herman, and a sister-in-law, Ruth Josendahl. Dingmann Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.

In 1989 we took a detour through Hills and I purchased two recipe books. I have used them ever since giving one to my daughter. I never did thank the wonderful ladies of this village for all of their efforts. It has been a center of our cooking. So safe are the recipes one did not have to worry that something had been left out, etc. I felt the only way to express our gratitude was to send this memo to the Crescent Publishing Company. I have meant to do so many times but in the busy life we have I put it off until now. Thank you all very much.June PulicicchioShakopee

I tagged along Monday with Superintendent David Deragisch and H-BC School Board members as they traveled to St. Paul in hopes of encouraging education finance reform. As you may have read on the front page of this week’s Crescent, the day was filled with highs and lows.As a newer member of the Hills community, I was impressed when the majority of H-BC voters in November’s election agreed to increase their taxes in order to better the education of the community’s children.I don’t have children of my own, but I adore children and think the most important years of a person’s life are those spent in a classroom. I feel the imagination and drive fueled during elementary school years determine where children end up as adults. Without qualified teachers, adequate resources and heated buildings children will not have as many opportunities to find their calling in life.Apparently voters in my community realize that importance as well. For that I am proud to be a resident of Hills and plan to stick around so that the children in my future can grow to be a part of such a loyal and committed community.Unfortunately, other school districts are not lucky enough to have the voters that H-BC has. State lawmakers have not given additional funding to education in more than two years and from what I was hearing on Monday, it seems their answer to financial problems in schools is to lean on the local taxpayers.That seems like a great solution for the lawmakers, because it puts the responsibility on local school boards. They just have to be able to convince district voters to help supplement the football team’s travels, the new science books, gas for the buses, etc.Even as close as Luverne, a referendum didn’t pass when brought to the ballot in November. Now those school leaders will be forced to find additional cuts in their already thin budget.Without a school in our community the families with children would move, and without children in the parks and on the basketball courts a community is dormant.As an objective observer, it was apparent to me that Rep. Doug Magnus does not plan on being a voice for rural education in southwest Minnesota.He had a deep concern for the plight of the 1,100 nursing homes in his district and an even greater desire to get his statewide transportation bill completed. But he didn’t express compassion for the teachers that had to be cut from the H-BC staff or for the education opportunities predicted to decrease in Luverne because that referendum didn’t pass.As a political science major in college, I am a fan of politics. The attitudes and tactics of politicians intrigue me, but the transparency in Rep. Magnus’ words and actions on Monday disgusted me.I know that if he authors a statewide transportation bill, his clout in St. Paul will increase by leaps and bounds, but what will it do for his constituents in District 22A? Will getting Hwy 60 repaved or the bus system in Minneapolis overhauled really affect those of us living in his district? I don’t think so, and I go to Mankato to visit my brother at least once a month.I stood with Rep. Magnus and the officials from H-BC on the second floor of the Capitol at 4:25 p.m. just a half hour prior to the start of the rally. The man that represents us wouldn’t even take an hour out of his day to stand on the steps with us and show his support.I understand that good Minnesota Republicans cannot be in favor of new state taxes, but I think a good Republican would have at least faked some interest in our cause.H-BC will be OK next year and probably the year after that, but if something is not done to change the way state lawmakers are prioritizing education, H-BC will be in trouble.So, as a new member of this community and as someone who wants a strong school to send her children to in the future, I am asking — no, begging — please call or write Rep. Magnus and let him know that education is a priority for his voters.Let him know that the rural voters who elected him in southwest Minnesota are watching to see what he is doing for their children and grandchildren.He plans to hold educators accountable. Well, I think we need to hold him accountable. He is our voice and if he is not aware of our concerns then we have no right to complain when he doesn’t stand up for us.Call Rep. Doug Magnus at (651) 296-5505 or email rep.doug.magnus@house.mnThis is our chance to make a difference. The legislative session will end in May and by the end of the session, a new budget for the state of Minnesota will have been approved. We need education to be a part of this budget.Comments or story ideas can be emailed to me at lexim@star-herald.com or called in to 283-2333 or 962-3561.

10 years ago (1995)"History was made Saturday night as Charter Night for the Lions Club officially kicked off the start of Hills’ newest organization. About 80 people attended the Charter Night activities. The Hills club received its charter from District Governor 5M-3 Marcel Reisch. Reisch is a member of the Luverne Lions Club, who sponsored the local organization." 25 years ago (1980)"It was Hat Contest time this week at the regular meeting of the Hills Community Club. Eleven people exhibited 13 hats (a trick in itself) and a good time was had by all. The category winners were: Bonnie Helgeson, most beautiful; Eddie Demuth, most original; Marie Walraven, most humorous; Alice Buchman, most original and Bob Hellerud, most humorous. The event was judged by Cliff VanWyhe and Pat LeBoutillier. The event was scheduled at the regular Community Club to boost participation at the meetings and everyone attending felt that had been accomplished." 50 years ago (1955)"At the regular monthly meeting of the Hills Commercial Club, the members present voted unanimously to forward a resolution to the Village Council favoring the action to have a preliminary survey taken to determine the costs of the installation of a sanitary sewer and disposal system in Hills."75 years ago (1930)"Saturday afternoon, February 22, the North Martin Sewing Club met with Mrs. Carl Westile. All members being present and two visitors.According to reports six persons had been helped since our last meeting: 13 notebooks kept; 14 adult and three children garments made; Estimated saving of $9.65. Time savers used, 31 pockets and bound buttonholes, 8, and patterns fitted, 8.A delicious lunch was served by Mrs. Randolph Herreid and Mrs. Carl Westile." 100 years ago (1905)"Mr. and Mrs. F.G. Russell were up from Rock Rapids Saturday, and as a result Mr. Russell closed a deal with W.F. Finke for the City Restaurant, Mr. Russell to take possession March 15. "Mr. Russell has been a resident of Rock Rapids for a good many years, and is a painter and paperhanger of twenty-two years’ experience; but about two years ago he was seriously injured in a runaway, when he had his right leg badly fractured, so that he was obliged to give up working at his trade and during the past year has been conducting a confectionery store at Steen. Mr. Russell has a wife and two daughters, one of whom is attending a seminary at Clinton, Iowa."

Saturday evening Arnold and Dorothy Thorin and Chuck and Maxine Hanson motored to Sioux Falls to visit Jerry and Dianne Thorin. Bob and Twila Kirsch returned to Hills last Monday after spending a month in Harlingen, Texas. En route they stopped in Riverside, Iowa, to visit their son and daughter-in-law, Barry and Jane Kirsch.Mark and Karen Sandager returned home Saturday night after spending a few days with their son, Ian, who is studying in Cork, Ireland. Jean Van Malsen returned to Hills Sunday after spending a week in Denver, Colo. She took a flight there to see her brother, Nolan Lyons, who passed away Feb. 22 from a heart condition. He was 76. Chuck and Maxine Hanson, Austin, spent from Friday until Monday visiting her sister, Dorothy Thorin, and brother, Arnold Thorin. Randy and Eileen Nobe, Arco, visited last Friday with Fran Sandager. Riley and Jessica Lentz, Lakefield, spent the weekend with their grandparents, Twila and Bob Kirsch.Tim and Brenda Plimpton, Stuart and Jamie, along with Brenda’s father and her siblings spent the long weekend, President’s Day, in New Orleans, La.

We certainly don’t have to travel very far to enjoy a change of scenery. Wednesday night when I went to bed, the ground was bare and I know this is a bit premature but I thought when I looked at the grass from a distance it was getting green However, when I looked out of the window the next morning, to my surprise the ground was covered with a blanket of sparkling white snow. Consequently, I didn’t get too excited about spring coming as winter is not ready to give up as I can remember the month of March can bring us many surprises, not all of them good. Happy Birthday to Florence Sandstede at the Tuff Home in Hills whose birthday was Saturday. Those helping her celebrate that afternoon were Henrietta Huenink, Verla Baker, Bernice Aukes, Winnie Scholten, and former Steen area resident, her sister-in-law, Dorothy (Sandstede) Kruse. Melba Boeve and Leah Hup were guests in the Carla and Joel Overlander home at Circle Pines this past weekend. While there, they attended a concert by the All State Band at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. They returned home Monday. Norma and Wayne VanWyhe and Henrietta Huenink visited Delwyn Huenink at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls Sunday afternoon. World Day of Prayer will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 4, at Hills United Reformed Church in Hills. The speaker will be Cora Klay from Luverne. She and her husband have been missionaries in Ghana, Africa.Darlene Bosch, former Steen resident was admitted to Luverne Community Hospital on Thursday evening for observation. The Steen Reformed Church is studying the book "Purpose Driven Life" written by Rick Warren. One of the study groups met at the home of Winnie Scholten for study and discussion Sunday evening following the church service. Tub Beyenhof was able to return home this past week. Last Monday Joyce and Jo Aykens and Mildred Keunen went to Orange City, Iowa, where they had lunch with some relatives.Willard and Jo Keunen, Alton, Iowa, Bill and Bertha Bosch and Mildred Keunen spent Tuesday afternoon visiting in the Jo Aykens home. I have lived on the farm my entire life. Consequently, I have learned not to get excited about spring coming in March. I learned that it was time to get ready to go to the fields for spring work. In order to do this all of the machinery had to be examined to see if it was in working order. Then they had to check fences and decide where they would plant the crops that year. Farming has changed a lot in the last few years. Arnold Bolkmen, a U.S. Congressman, wrote, "When our nation was founded, more than 90 percent of the population were farmers. Today less than four percent of our people live and work on the farm. Each farmer produces enough food to feed 55 other people. As a result of this tremendous improvement in agricultural productivity and efficiency, Americans need only 15 percent of their disposable income for food."Many of us have seen this or experienced it which reminds me of the old question, "Which came first, the chicken or the egg?" It was neither. It was the farmer!

He’s the world’s fastest eater and, surprisingly enough, he’s not your brother-in-law. According to Nature Magazine, the star-nosed mole "can detect, identify and gulp down its small prey (usually insect larvae or earthworms) in an average of 227 milliseconds, less than a quarter of a second." This may all sound familiar to any cook who has ever prepared a holiday dinner, only to see it disappear in the blink of an eye. However, this world champion eater prefers to burrow in marshlands rather than socialize with humans.If you’re wondering how long a quarter of a second is, consider this comparison. USA Today reports that it takes 650 milliseconds for a car driver to brake after seeing a traffic light turn red. With reference to the ravenously hungry, star-nosed mole, 227 milliseconds is slightly less time than pop singer Britney Spears was married for the first time to her former high school sweetheart. In all fairness, the star-faced mole might eat fast simply out of frustration and loneliness. It can’t be easy to burrow most of the day and have a face that looks like it exploded. (The photo of the mole was unlike anything ever shown by on-line dating services.) On second thought, the mole’s face strongly resembles a popular taste treat, a deep-fried onion blossom.Because of our own heating habits, it’s easy to believe the story about the mole with the 22 little food-grabbing appendages ringing its nose. Reuters recently revealed that working parents aged 25 to 54 have only three hours a day to shop, do personal grooming and eat. That doesn’t leave a lot of time to chew and swallow.Americans spend so little time carefully chewing food or being seen doing it, that you might think "masticate" is a bad word. Fifty-dollar-a-plate wedding dinners and family holiday dinners, which have taken hours if not days to prepare, are gulped down faster than proverbial speeding bullets. "What a great-looking dinner!" and "My, that was good!" are often uttered in the same breath.The following guidelines might suggest if we’re eating too fast for our own good:Within a few seconds of finishing a meal, we can’t recall a single thing we’ve eaten. After scarfing down a meal that appeared to feature some sort of undercooked bird, we find out that the family’s pet canary is inexplicably missing from its cage. When the last dinner guest is taking his seat at the table, we’re already finishing off our desserts. Finally, although we have been told that chewing each mouthful of food 32 times is important for adequate digestion, we consider chewing to be an overrated waste of time. Instead of chewing, we shovel and gulp. Nature Magazine also noted that the star-nosed mole’s feeding pace "is so fast that they frequently make mistakes, skipping over edible food but later returning." Most of us can relate to that particular eating habit. In our world, it’s thought of as a meal do-over. The food items we overlook during the first feeding frenzy are stored in the refrigerator until the next mealtime. And we don’t refer to them as mistakes — they’re called leftovers.

10 years ago (1995)
Luverne Public Works Director Darrell Huiskes warned residents on Cedar Street that they will live through a messy construction season with the street completely torn up for more than two months.
Rock County Recorder Jere Ohme was recognized by his peers as the Minnesota County Recorder of the Year at the state conference.
Five members of the Luverne-Hills-Beaver Creek wrestling team earned berths in the Section 3A Individual Tournament with their performances in the South Sub-Section Individual Tournament. They are: Wes Schneekloth, Scott Nath, Ryan Hemme, J.R. Scott and Kyle Hemme.25 years ago (1980)
Janet Nash, a senior at Luverne High School, will appear with the All State Choir.
Ronald Hoefs is the teacher of the year at Magnolia High School. He teaches English for grades seven through 12 and has taught at Magnolia for four years.50 years ago (1955)
Coffee drinkers in Luverne were happy after the price per cup of coffee dropped from a dime to five cents. Louis Sargent said, "When coffee went to a dime last year I tried drinking milk, but soon changed back to coffee. It sure is good news to hear it’s back to five cents a cup."
Game Warden A.H. Getty will prepare his famous Mulligan stew at the Rock County Sportsman’s Club.
Forrest’s Dairy announced that it will only bottle Grade A milk from now on, at no extra cost to consumers.75 years ago (1930)
The Luverne City Council purchased a "big, modern" fire truck for $7,200. It is the largest and best turned out by Luverne Fire Apparatus.
The city of Luverne now allows only parallel parking of autos on Main Street and trucks may only park with special permission.
A reduction of two cents per gallon on all gasoline at service stations and from tank line wagons went into effect. This brought the price of "high test" gasoline down to 22.1¢ and common gasoline down to 19.1¢ per gallon.100 years ago (1905)
Anton and Henry Brandenburg were mixed up in a runaway Friday evening on Main Street, but fortunately escaped without injury. They were just starting for home, driving a team attached to a bobsled, when the horses took fright and in turning the corner by the Handy grocery overturned the sled box. There was a quantity of coal in the box and both men were partially buried beneath it, but aside from a few bruises, they were uninjured.
A.E. Stager is making arrangements to engage in the wholesale poultry and produce business.

By Lori EhdeA new 1,500-square-foot addition to the Minnesota Veterans Home, Luverne, would mean more space, better lighting and improved care for residents suffering from dementia.The total cost of the project is estimated at more than $800,000, to be funded through government sources."We’re requesting approximately $282,000 from the state in the bonding bill, and the other portion is approved through federal funding," said Anne Stegenga, Veterans Home business manager.The state request made it into the bonding bill that passed the Minnesota House of Representatives Tuesday, and it’s also in the Senate version of the bill.According to Veterans Home Administrator Pam Barrows, even if the state funding does come through, construction wouldn’t start until 2007, because approval for the federal funding would take that long."The president is currently recommending a one-year moratorium on the VA portion of the state Home Grants Program, so it’s not a done deal," Barrows cautioned.She said the addition would make a big improvement to the dementia care currently offered at the Vets Home."Several years ago, we developed a comfort care program for our residents that had dementia and needed a more specialized area to meet their needs," Barrows said. "We closed off a wing and utilized the widened hall area for the activities of daily living. Initially, we took these folks out of this ‘safe’ area for meals but that often increased their stress levels." Currently, all meals and all activities take place in the widened hall area and the end solarium."People with dementia often wander and they have an even greater need for access to natural lighting than you or I," Barrows said. "Unfortunately, wandering space as well as access to daylight is limited and not what we want for our residents’ quality of life in our current physical layout. The 1,500-square foot addition will be added to the "green wing" to the southeast toward the back of the building. Plans include a separate heating and cooling, with a three-stall garage below."Since we’re renting garage space, they felt it was just as cost-effective to put garage space there, rather than bring in more fill," Barrows said."We really need that space."The Veterans Home has 17 patients in its current dementia unit, and the new addition won’t mean the Veterans Home will be able to accept more patients."Our number of approved beds will stay the same," Stegenga said.Staff members say it will simply mean they’ll be better equipped to handle the number of dementia patients already there.