Tornado in 1884The following appeared in the Rock County Weekly on July 25, 1884:(Continuing from last week:)THE INJUREDA carpenter whose name we can not learn was injured in the ruins of the Norwegian church in Martin township. James Barry’s father-in-law, living a few miles north of Adrian, was carried 80 rods by the wind and very seriously injured. The only person in anywise seriously injured in Luverne was Gus. Nelson. His face was badly cut by glass from the broken store front, and pieces of glass penetrated his eyes.Mr. A.A. Noble was out in the storm and was slightly injured by hail stones. Emmet Raymond, of Springwater township, was badly injured by the timbers of a falling barn. His head was seriously cut and it was found necessary to remove a portion of his jaw. Dr. Killgore was called to treat the case. Ed. Ross, a carpenter engaged on a new house four miles north of Rock Rapids, had his cheek bone broken.OUR TURN AT LASTThe prediction most of us have made that this section must some time come in for a share of the destruction which terrible storms have so frequently visited upon many portions of the country, was fulfilled to the letter yesterday afternoon. The means by which the elements saw fit to vent their wrath upon us had nothing, very fortunately, of the character of a cyclone, but even in its less destructive form the tempest was terrific and left in its course a scene of wreck, devastation and disaster unparalleled in the history of the county. THE TEMPESTEarly in the morning indications of unusual commotion in the elements were noticeable, and later in the day the excessive heat, coupled with the appearance of heavy banks of lowering clouds which darkened the west and north-western horizon, presaged the proximity of a violent storm. Toward four o’clock in the afternoon the outlines of the approaching tempest became clearly defined in the northwest, and very soon after a huge mass of over-hanging clouds, plainly indicating the approach of a strong wind, rolled toward the town with startling rapidity. The appearance of the storm, though unusually threatening, was not such as to occasion serious alarm, and after the first vigorous gust the impression prevailed that the worst was over. In this the appearances were STRANGELY DECEPTIVE. After a brief cessation of the first violent outbreak, the rain began to fall in torrents and the wind gathered strength. A moment later and the wild tempest began its work in real earnest. The rain was driven before the wind in vast sheets, with appalling force, and the tempest steadily increased its fury. By this time, under ordinary circumstances, when a cessation of the storm might have been expected, the force of the now thoroughly maddened elements had developed into frightful violence, and each moment the terrors of the tempest grew fiercer. There was now good cause for genuine alarm. The spire of the Baptist church was hurled to the ground, the strongest structures trembled to their foundations, others RACKED AND SWAYED in momentary danger of destruction, while others less substantial or more directly exposed to the wind, were blown into a thousand pieces. Tin roofs, shingles, and cornices were torn from the business buildings, signs were wrenched from their fastenings, and dashed into store fronts, and broken boards and windows were driven through the air in wild confusion. The tempest raged thus furiously for over half an hour and the scene during the time was indescribably appalling. For a time it seemed that destruction would be general, but the force of the tempest finally diminished and toward five o’clock completely subsided. (To be continued next week).

If you’re looking for an unusual vacation, why not try Sing Sing prison? It might be a perfect destination for tourists who feel guilty about taking time off from their everyday lives and have an inexplicable need to be punished for having a good time. The dark, imposing prison, according to Reuters, is located on the Hudson River about 30 miles north of New York City and is still active. Many of its 1,745 inmates are held in maximum security, which leads us to believe they’re not in there for insider trading or other white-collar crimes. Local officials in Westchester County hope to receive start-up costs of about $5 million from the state to convert the prison’s old powerhouse into a museum and build a tunnel to the original cellblock, no longer in use. At least 150,000 tourists a year are expected to take the trip "up the river". Jerry Mulligan, a planning commissioner and a spokesman for the project, recently noted, "It could be the Alcatraz of the east. This could trigger a whole wave of tourism." Actually, the prison renovation plan could either "trigger a whole wave of tourism" or a crime wave, depending on whether you’re talking to Westchester County’s director of tourism or potential victims in nearby Ossining, N.Y. Inmates will undoubtedly relish the idea of the new underground tunnel. It could serve as a convenient exit for prisoners unwilling to dig one of their own with only a spoon over a span of several, painstaking years. It would be a perfect answer for prisoners longing for the bright lights, big city. In much the same way that inmates were recruited to build the original cellblock in 1825, it is hoped that present inmates might work in the prison museum. However, the planners should be reminded that prisoners in 1825 were there before the days of grand theft auto and drug cartels. They were a comparatively easy-going group of felons, guilty of horse stealing, stagecoach holdups, bank robberies, claim jumpings or piracy on the high seas. They were the stuff of today’s adventure movies. Many of the hardened criminals are there now because of domestic terrorism, serial murders and drug dealing. They tend to be not very nice people and you certainly wouldn’t want them to be chit-chatting with your daughters in the prison gift shop. You would be understandably leery about them handling your credit card numbers at the shop’s cash register or serving as tour guides through the prison’s new tunnel. On the other hand, a prison-based vacation spot might unlock other possibilities. The old cellblock could be turned into a bed and breakfast with chain-suspended cots for beds. We might expect to see an indoor amusement park, complete with exciting rides. After all, what could be more thrilling or chilling than a roller coaster ride operated by convicted killers who like to hear people scream? A prison-themed restaurant for tourists might offer barberry pies, Big House Bagels and Slammer Sirloins. A special dining attraction could feature hamburgers and steaks grilled to perfection on "Old Sparky", the prison’s infamous electric chair. But let’s not stop there. If the prison tourism project becomes highly profitable, why not release all of the convicts to the streets and make room for more attractions?

Food in America is affordable; it takes the average American 40 days to earn enough disposable income to pay for his or her food supply for the entire year, according to the Rock County Farm Bureau.To celebrate this event Farm Bureau will have a display from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, set up at Glen’s Food Center in Luverne, to hand out information and accept donations for the Rock County Food Shelf. The Luverne FFA Chapter and Farm Bureau volunteers will man the booth. Stop by the booth, visit with the volunteers, make a cash or non-perishable donation to the food shelf and register for door prizes.Linda WenzelRock Co. Farm BureauPromotion & Education Chairman

By John RittenhouseThe Hills-Beaver Creek girls posted their third consecutive basketball win by defeating Edgerton 66-50 in Hills Friday.H-BC raced to a 38-23 halftime lead and never allowed the Flying Dutchmen to get back into the game during the second half."We were in control of the game once we got the lead in the first quarter," said Patriot coach Tom Goehle."We did a nice job of pushing the ball and taking care of the ball. We forced quite a few turnovers, which allowed us to take more shots than they did."With Kerri Fransman scoring nine of her team-high 14 points and Chelsi Fink adding nine of her 13 points to lead the way, H-BC opened a 15-point halftime lead it wouldn’t relinquish.Cassi Tilstra, who led the Patriots with six rebounds, charted a double-double by scoring 13 points and passing for 10 assists. Fransman produced five steals and recorded four assists. Brittney Rozeboom added four assists to the winning effort.H-BC, 14-8 overall, plays in Adrian tonight before hosting Fulda for the regular-season finale Monday.Box scoreRozeboom 1 0 0-0 2, Fransman 0 4 2-3 14, Bush 1 2 0-0 8, Feucht 3 0 3-4 9, Fink 5 1 0-0 13, Tilstra 4 1 2-4 13, Roozenboom 1 0 1-2 3, Mulder 2 0 0-1 4.Team statisticsH-BC: 25 of 63 field goals (40 percent), eight of 14 free throws (57 percent), 29 rebounds, four turnovers.Edgerton: 18 of 46 field goals (39 percent), 12 of 14 free throws (86 percent), 35 rebounds, 18 turnovers.

By John RittenhouseThe Hills-Beaver Creek boys turned in a solid performance in front of a big crowd in Hills when they defeated Sioux Falls Christian 71-59 Monday.With Kale Wiertzema and Zach Wysong setting the pace, H-BC outscored the Chargers in all four quarters of a contest that ended with the Patriots sporting an 11-game winning streak.Wiertzema, who passed for six assists and ripped down 13 rebounds, scored a game-high 28 points. Twenty-one of his counters came in the second half.Wysong nailed five three-point shots in the game, one of which was a half-court effort as time expired in the third quarter.The teams exchanged baskets in the opening moments of the game before H-BC snapped a tie at four with an 11-2 run that ended with Wysong sinking a three to give the hosts a 15-6 lead.SFC battled back to trail 19-16 early in the second quarter before Wysong delivered another three to give the Patriots a 34-25 cushion at the 2:25 mark of the stanza. H-BC led 39-29 when Cody Rozeboom came off the bench and nailed a three-point shot with 1:03 remaining in the first half, but the Chargers trimmed the difference to six points (39-33) by halftime.Tyler Bush, who produced five steals and delivered six assists in the contest, gave H-BC its biggest lead of the contest at (53-38) with a field goal 2:50 into the third quarter. SFC closed the gap to seven points (53-46) as the period progressed, but the Patriots increased the difference to 11 points (62-51) when Wysong stunned the Chargers with his half-court toss to end the period.H-BC led by as many as 14 points and as little as nine points during a fourth quarter that ended with the Patriots winning by 12.Box scoreWysong 0 5 0-0 15, Rozeboom 1 1 2-2 7, Bush 3 1 0-0 9, Wiertzema 9 1 7-9 28, Baker 2 0 0-1 4, Broesder 2 0 0-0 4, LeBoutillier 2 0 0-0 4.Team statisticsH-BC: 27 of 59 field goals (46 percent), nine of 12 free throws (75 percent), 32 rebounds, 11 turnovers.SFC: 27 of 59 field goals (46 percent), four of six free throws (67 percent), 25 rebounds, 13 turnovers.

By Lexi MooreHills resident Margaret Bakker recently was congratulated by the president of Avon for 45 years of excellent service to the company.Bakker, who began selling Avon on Feb. 11, 1960, will begin her 46th year with the company on Friday.In addition to receiving a glowing congratulatory letter from the Avon president, Bakker was given a diamond ring for her years of dedication to the brand and her clients.During her years of service many things have changed for her both personally and professionally.Her two daughters have grown up and her husband, Jake, has passed away. The product Avon has sold has changed as well.When Bakker started in 1960 she sold hair care products and cosmetics to clients in the southwestern area of the state. Now Avon carries jewelry, clothing, shoes, items for the home, vitamins and caters their magazines for a new generation of make-up wearers.Throughout her years Bakker earned many awards and honors, including making the elite Presidents Club on several occassions.Looking back on her first 45 years in the business, Bakker realizes that most of all she enjoyed the friendships she made with her clients. She said she is often a friend and confidant, and she has found that her clients help her through tough times as well.

By Lexi MooreHills City Council members met for their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday.Representatives from the Martin Township and the Hills Fire Department were in attendance to discuss budget concerns and the Hills Fire Department truck replacement fund.Hills Fire Chief Jeff Bass stressed the importance of replacing the 1976 International tank truck that is currently used to haul 1,800 gallons of water to rural fires. The fire department has concerns for the safety of those driving the truck and would like to have the option of carrying more water in a bigger tank.The Hills Council, Martin Township and Clinton Township have been adding money to a truck replacement fund for several years to offset the cost of a new tank truck.Council members asked Bass questions regarding specifications of a new truck and what kind of time frame the fire department is looking at.Bass suggested finding a used truck that would carry at least 2,200 gallons of water from a fire station supplier. "I’m not talking new, but it needs to be replaced." He stressed the importance of doing this within the next year or two.The council requested that Bass research the cost of replacing the truck and how much the department could get on a trade-in or sale of the current vehicle.Copies of the figures need to be turned in to Martin Township prior to their annual meeting the second Tuesday in March. This will allow the township to budget the additional cost into their 2006 levy.In other city news:oWayne Ward was appointed city weed inspector instead of Dave Leenderts. Because the city licenses Wayne for commercial general grounds and mosquito control, it made since to give him the appointment.oThe council approved the bid from Jerry Hoff Floor Covering to replace carpet in the Legion Building office, following the removal of walls.oConcerns over stray cats within the Hills city limits were discussed. It was concluded that Ward would set live traps in an effort to catch and remove the animals from within the city limits. "These cats are wild. They hiss and bite when approached. They are not pets. People that have pet cats keep them inside," Ward said.

10 years ago (1995)"This past weekend Steen native Rick Scholten was named 1995 Minnesota Beef Cook-Off champion. His award-winning dish, Grilled Top Sirloin with Peppers: A Beefeater’s Delight, earned him the state title. Scholten is now eligible for the National Beef Cook-Off in Little Rock, Ark., Sept. 22-23."25 years ago (1980)"Representing Rock County this past year as district award winners of the Rock County Soil and Water Conservation District were: Jim Hoiland, Luverne, Alvin Leuthold, Hills, and Perry Williamson, Garretson, S.D. LeRoy Kellenberger, Hills, won the progress award for 1979. These conservation farms combined to win the Minnesota area competition and bring the coveted Marc Cox Conservation Award back to Rock County. The last time Rock County won prior to the year, was back in 1970."50 years ago (1955)"Friday night’s game inspired Joan Swanson to write this poem:EchoesThe crowd was in an uproar,Can’t those players see that score?There was one quarter left to play, Will they make it through OK?The crowd is in suspense.The players all are tense.Now they start to score. The crowd shouts we want more!Soon the score was tied!Edgerton’s coach nearly cried.They got the ball, Whizzed down the floor!A free throw thenAnother score!Come on Hills! They’re three points ahead.If you don’t make it, I’ll drop dead!The coach hitches up his britches, The referees call a tech,They now have two free shots to shootAnd miss each one, by heck!Somewhere the sun is shining, But Hills High fans are blue, Because we have just lost the game.Sixty-one to sixty-two."75 years ago (1930)"Sigrid Sather left Saturday night for the Twin Cities, where she has accepted a position as nurse."100 years ago (1905)"K.K. Hellie sold to John Qualley last week a bill of lumber for a large dwelling to be erected on his fine farm."

I would like to say hats off and three cheers to the NFL and executives at ABC. After last year’s major half-time blunder with Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake, they got it right this year.Instead of parading young lip-syncing pop stars onto a stage to do poorly choreographed dance moves, they opted to give the microphone to a man who not only sang with a backup tape but actually played two different instruments. That man was ex-Beatle, Sir Paul McCartney.I attended a Super Bowl party at my parents’ house in Madison, SD. The ages of those in attendance ranged from 2 to 54. Although the first half of the game was close and both teams played well, many at the party opted to eat, chat or play other games while the Patriots worked on their victory. Moments after Sir McCartney began singing "Baby you can Drive my Car," the entire room fell silent and all eyes were on the television.There were goose bumps, a few tears and many claps throughout the performance especially when he started the first verse of "Hey Jude." Those songs, so familiar to every generation for the past forty years, saved the half-time show.Last year I hosted a Super Bowl party. I admit that second at the end of the halftime show did bring the room of men to silence, but it was for the wrong reason. It was disbelief. We wanted to know if what happened had been done on purpose or had it really been a wardrobe malfunction?How could these entertainers have needed publicity so badly that they would resort to flashing during a live public event?Wouldn’t it be better if their publicity could be about their talents, instead of their stunts?A visit to halftimes pastThe NFL Web site has compiled a list of all entertainers who have performed during the Super Bowl Pregame, the National Anthem and during halftime starting with Super Bowl I in 1966.I consulted this list to see if there had ever been an NFL halftime event planner smart enough to just hire talented musicians and let them entertain.Apparently they hadn’t figured that out until this year. I found that wardrobe malfunctions were not the only thing plaguing this event.In the first years, sports fans were entertained by collegiate marching bands at halftime. During Super Bowl IV they let Carol Channing take over as the first celebrity guest.Over the next 20-plus years, event planners decided themes would entertain the millions watching the game at home.Examples include, "200 Years and Just a Baby" a tribute to America’s Bicentennial and several salutes, "A World of Children’s Dreams" and "Super Bowl XVIII’s salute to the superstars of the Silver Screen."These tributes and salutes were performed by an assortment of celebrities, big bands and the old football standard, the college marching band.For the 25th half-time show, planners clearly targeted a new younger market by bringing pop boy band of the moment New Kids on the Block.This trend continued throughout the 1990s. Usually a list of three to five pop stars with albums to promote would uneasily bounce around the stage together. It was during this time that other television networks and pay-per-view television began competing for half-time viewers.The only exception was in 2002 at Super Bowl XXXVI when U2 performed in front of a screen scrolling the names of the victims from the tragedies on Sept. 11.Hopefully the ratings and feedback from Sunday’s show will be good enough for NFL executives to realize the importance of hiring quality entertainers. Not only does it keep them from dealing with embarrassing wardrobe malfunction lawsuits but also it keeps fans happy.A list of performers can be found at www.superbowl.com/features/entertainment/entertainment-honorroll.Commen… or story ideas can be emailed to lexim@star-herald.com or called in to 283-2333 or 962-3561.