10 years ago (1994)
Hills-Beaver Creek School Board members struggled with building issues. A study in July revealed problems with the high school and elementary buildings. The board discussed renovating or building new but not combining forces with a neighboring district.
Ellsworth Boosters started an effort to save their school in April and have raised $30,000 — the same amount as the district’s estimated shortfall for the year.
Nine-year-old Matthew Wise, Luverne, was the winner of the Rock County Community Library Cookie Contest and Pigout.25 years ago (1979)
The teachers and board of the Hills-Beaver Creek district reached a contract settlement. The groups had submitted final positions to the Minnesota Public Employees Relations Board and an arbitrator had been selected. But the arbitrator was not used. The settlement calls for a 17.6-percent increase over two years. Leon Pick, Gordon LeBoutillier, and Gearold Van Roekel were involved in negotiations.
Catholics and Lutherans broke with a 450-year-old tradition when they gathered for a joint Thanksgiving service. A number of lay people took part in the service, as well as the Rev. Norman Olsen, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, and the Rev. Thomas Ploof, priest at St. Catherine’s.50 years ago (1954)
Harm Smook has purchased complete control of the Good Service Oil Co. He acquired the half held by Mrs. Otis Godfrey.
Vic Bowman called the Star Herald to say that the first natural gas installation was completed in a Luverne home, a duplex owned by C.B. Kjenslee and Norm Oldre.
Local men met the draft quota for Rock County Nov. 16. They were Donald Soehl, Luverne; Marinus Klarenbeek, Steen; Anthony Vander Syde, Holland; and Gary Barmore, Luverne.75 years ago (1929)
V.A. Long, of the Long Service Station, planned to install a complete "super-service" station at the junction of trunk highways No. 9 and No. 6 on West Main Street.
Herman Jochims booked movies for the Palace Theatre that were billed as "strong attractions" and "leading sound pictures." 100 years ago (1904)
To date, Dr. Spalding has performed 106 operations for appendicitis since his hospital was opened. In all but one case, the operations were "completely
A savings department has been opened by the Rock County Bank to facilitate the handling of small deposits, which earned 4 percent interest.
A new cement sidewalk was planned for the south side of the Central School House block.

By Lexi MooreThis time of year people spend time contemplating what they want in their lives.
Children put together Christmas lists
Young adults contemplate what they want in their future.
Businesses look at the upcoming year to set goals. Largely they want to achieve them.
Organizations want to use this time for fund-raisers and parties.
Parents want Santa to come, just this once.I usually want all of my lists to get completed before the holiday arrives and another year begins.This year I just want time to slow down so that I can enjoy the memories I am making. So, instead of making To Do lists, I am going to make just one big list with a detailed plan for how I can slow time down over the next month.Here are some of my ideas:oI am going to enjoy every day remaining on my 2004 calendar. I will wake up excited about my day, happy about the weather and unaffected by the normal stresses of life.oI will not get stressed over the holiday menu because there is always plenty of food. oInstead of looking at the busy calendar with dread, I will embrace the flurry of activity. After all, life is better when you enjoy it rather than anxiously watch it pass.Usually my thanksgiving plans include plane travel, packing and finding a cat sitter. This year, because I’m now living near my South Dakota family, I don’t have to plan beyond finding the right channel for the Thanksgiving Day parade.Having a simple Thanksgiving, free of crowded malls, void of football schedules, unburdened by a frozen bird, but surrounded by family should help the Moore holiday season start off slower than usual.And if you have any suggestions for my plan, please stop me on the street and let me know. Try to remember the more you clutter your mind with the trivia, the faster time will fly. And it is always harder to make lasting memories when you haven’t taken the time to watch them go by.Happy Thanksgiving!

MINUTES OF THE HILLS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITYNOVEMBER 9, 2004Dana Dahlquist, President of the Hills EDA called the meeting to order at 7:55 P.M. Board present: Dan Dahlquist, Keith Elbers, Jim Jellema, Ross Metzger and Linus Svoboda. Employees present: Joanne Goehle, EDA Treasurer, and Connie Wiertzema, EDA Secretary. Guest: Lexi Moore, Reporter-Hills Crescent. Motion by Jellema, seconded by Svoboda to approve the minutes of October 12th, Motion carried. Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Elbers to approve payment of the October expenditures. Motion carried.No further business, meeting adjourned at 7:57 P.M./s/ Connie J. WiertzemaConnie J. WiertzemaSecretary(11-25)

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE HILLS CITY COUNCILNOVEMBER 9, 2004Mayor Jim Jellema called the meeting to order at 6:07 P.M. with the following Council present: Jim Jellema, Linus Svoboda, Keith Elbers, Dana Dahlquist, and Ross Metzger. Employees present: Joanne Goehle, City Treasurer, Connie Wiertzema, City Clerk, and Wayne Ward, City Maintenance. Guests: Lexi Moore-Hills Crescent, Dan Cook-Rock County Rural Water, and Wilmer Elbers. Motion by Keith Elbers, seconded by Dahlquist to approve the minutes of October 12th. None opposed, motion carried.Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Keith Elbers to approve payment of the October expenditures, excluding check #11330 to Skewes, Klosterbuer & Vajgrt pending information regarding dishonored checks. General $6,700.57; Park $1,820.69; Fire $14,579.97; Street $3,519.12; Legion $1,472.05; Sewer $1,275.28; Garbage $4,003.44; Recycling $502.95; Water $4,411.02; Baseball $39.17; Softball $20.84; Civil Defense $131.00. None opposed, motion carried. General Checking 58,071.68General Fund CD#18197, 2.5%, 12/4/04 240,288.97General Fund CD#17792 (prev. #15742) 2.5%, 5/29/03 – cashed in 6/3/03General Fund CD#17760 (prev. #17573) 2.5%, 3/15/05 20,994.17Sewer Fund CD#17877 (prev. #17433) 2.5% 10/18/03 – cashed in 10/03 – ($21,000 to general)Sewer Fund CD#18255, (prev. #18171) 1.5%, 7/19/04 – inter-fund loan to Southern Hills Apts. to pay-off apt. bond - $70,771.64Fire Truck Replacement Fund CD#18237, 1.5%, 1/11/05 23,401.93Hills EDA Security Deposit Account 2,414.23Hills EDA checking – Acct. #1248 10,544.67Southern Hills Apt. Acct. #1255 10,269.90Southern Hills Condo Acct. #1263 17.44Southern Hills CD#17759 (prev. #17572) 2.5%, 3/15/05 5,248.54EDA CD#17850 (prev. #17384) 2.5%, 5/7/05 28,313.93EDA CD#18275 (prev. #17268) 1.25%, 07/04 – inter-fund loan to Southern Hills Apts. to pay-off apt. bond - $10,661.76EDA CD#18160, 1.5%, 10/17/04 20,301.95ED CD#18505, .75%, 8/24/04 10,686.39TOTAL $430,553.80Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Dahlquist to renew general fund CD#18197 for six months. None opposed, motion carried. Motion by Keith Elbers, seconded by Dahlquist to approve the Treasurer’s report. None opposed, motion carried.Ward was instructed to continue to contact Centennial Homes regarding street damage along Josephine Avenue. Vantek Communications will be invited to the December meeting to discuss the recent mounting of radio antennas on the water tower, wherein three holes were drilled in the roof of the tower; also to discuss a two-way radio system for the City’s use. Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Svoboda to hire Liquid Engineering to inspect and clean the water storage tank for $2,415.00. None opposed, motion carried. The Clerk was instructed to contact Sheriff Winkels regarding information on the hiring of school crossing guards along State Highway 270 and Main Avenue. City maintenance was instructed to arrange to have the crosswalk repainted. The Council set a rate of $80 per hour for machine and man-hours, for sweeping streets in the City of Steen. Dan Cook was invited to the meeting to discuss the continuous problem of discolored water. Cook explained that this problem is not isolated to the City of Hills, but is within the entire Rock County Rural Water System, due to the Minnesota State Health Department’s mandate to add phosphate to the system. The added phosphate is a micro and metal cleaner intended to clean and coat metal pipes and fixtures without notability. Cook assured the Council, through information from the MN Dept. of Health, that the discolored water is safe for drinking, but that due to continuous discolored water complaints, RCRW has abstained from using the chemical as of October 19th. RCRW will continue to flush mains, and encourages the City to do the same, until the phosphate is completely flushed out and discolored water is cleared. Cook encouraged the City Council to have a continuous flushing plan in place year-round, with the exception of the winter months unless absolutely necessary. Cook offered RCRW’s services to get the City’s maintenance department initiated in a flushing plan. It is uncertain at this time, whether RCRW will use a different chemical known as C9, which will coat pipes without the cleaning effect, eliminating the problem of discolored water. RCRW will make that determination over the winter months. The Council instructed city maintenance to continue to flush all hydrants at least once per week until the water system is cleared of phosphate and/or discolored water problems. Thereafter, city maintenance should begin a routine water flushing plan, as recommended by RCRW, and keep written records of location, date, time, length of flushing time, and condition of the hydrants. Hydrants that do not work properly should be noted, repaired or replaced, with the same information reported to the fire department. Wilmer Elbers attended the meeting to inquire whether the Council had made a decision to purchase lots in Park View Third Addition. No further discussion or action was taken. Discussed poor maintenance of a certain residential property. Keith Elbers volunteered to contact the owner of this property. Per information from the Rock County Administrator, the Council is not interested in using supervised jail crews for city work at this time.Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Keith Elbers to accept an audit proposal, not to exceed $3,650.00 from Meulebroeck, Taubert & Co. to audit the City’s 2004 records. This proposal includes a $500 increase, due to additional reporting standards of GASB 34, recently required by the State Auditor’s Office. None opposed, motion carried. Motion by Keith Elbers, seconded by Metzger to renew On-Sale and Off-Sale liquor licenses to Kelly’s Roadhouse Bar for 2005, pending certification from the State is approved. None opposed, motion carried. As of January 1st, magazines and catalogs will be accepted in curbside recycling. These items must be separated from other recycling materials. Advertisements and brochures will be forthcoming to explain the recycling changes. A canvassing board made up of Keith Elbers, Linus Svoboda and Joanne Goehle moved to accept the November 2nd election results as follows: Jim Jellema as mayor; Dana Dahlquist and Ross Metzger as council members. Elected terms begin January 2, 2005. Oath of Offices were taken and signed by Jellema, Dahlquist and Metzger. The Hills-Beaver Creek School District has agreed to take possession of the City’s garage located at 116 South Central Avenue. The property in which the garage is located will remain the City’s. Maintenance and insurance on the garage will be the responsibility of the School District, a certificate of insurance will be provided to the City.Discussed the purchase of truck fuel for the Fire Department. No further discussion, meeting adjourned at 7:55 P.M./s/ Connie J. WiertzemaConnie J. WiertzemaCity Clerk(11-25)

10 years ago (1994)"Five H-BC Patriots were named to the 1994 Buffalo Ridge All-Conference team. Those selected were Matt Metzger, Collin Leuthold, Aric Leenderts, Tony Olson and Jay Bakken."25 years ago (1979)"Maureen Bush, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bud Bush, arrived home Friday. Maureen, a graduate of Moorhead State College has a degree in physical education and a coaching certificate. She recently finished practice teaching and is temporarily at home."50 years ago (1954)"Dick Bosch and Kenny Sandstede were up to the Leech Lake vicinity fishing last week. They said the walleyes weren’t biting. They came home the day before the season opened as the cabins were taken for by hunters." 75 years ago (1929)"Kermit Kvien, who has been employed in the Stendal’s Shoe Co. store in Minneapolis, was laid off together with several others in that department. Kermit says the recent crash in the stock market is keenly felt in Minneapolis. The Foshay Co. laid off 600 employees, and the Heat Regulating Co. cut out 1,500 employees, likewise dozens of other big concerns. The going wage is around $15 per week, and hundreds are clamoring for jobs at this low salary. Kermit will visit his mother and brother here for a while." 100 years ago (1904)"In accordance with proclamations of the president of the United States and the governor of the commonwealth of Minnesota, today is Thanksgiving Day, and all who have anything to be thankful for are supposed to give thanks, which The Crescent hopes includes every individual in Hills and Rock County, and especially the people of Martin Township, who have been privileged to garner a good harvest, in fact, far superior to that harvested in other parts of the northwest. The people of Hills also have ample reason to give thanks. Our town has prospered as no town in this part of the state has prospered. Every working man who so desired has had steady employment; and if there are any who failed to keep busy it was not for the lack of opportunity to work. However, we cannot help but admit that Thanksgiving Day has been transferred from a day of thanksgiving and prayer to a gala day, in which the gridiron enthusiasts make a final bid for some sort of a championship. But everyone must scramble to keep up with the spirit of the time, and this afternoon will no doubt find The Crescent force down in Ole’s cow pasture with the Hills Giants."

Vernon Kvale spent the weekend in Blaine attending a Paulson family reunion. He visited with his sister, Gladys Paulson. Cletus and Patty Nuffer and Wendell and Kathryn Erickson attended the lutefisk supper at Nordic Hall in Sioux Falls Friday night. Don and Edyth Briggs attended the El Riad Big Band supper and party Friday evening at Skellys’ Pub in Sioux Falls. Don played in the ceremonial band on Saturday.Friday evening Betty Elbers and Melba Boeve of Steen attended the Green Earth Players production of "Nunsense" at Luverne Palace Theatre. Floyd and Mary Kraetsch, Luverne, spent Thursday evening with Bob and Twila Kirsch after enjoying supper out at Larchwood, Iowa.Wendell and Kathryn Erickson attended the open house Sunday afternoon at Nobles County Art Center. Ida Langstraat, Hawarden, Iowa, visited Fran Sandager Sunday and also other friends in the community. Margaret Bakker, along with Arie and Marianne Drooger, Edgerton, attended funeral services for their sister-in-law, Gertrude Vande Woulde. She had been a resident at the rest home in Edgerton. Funeral services were in Chandler. Riley Lentz, Lakefield, spent the weekend with grandparents Bob and Twila Kirsch. Dr. Ernest and Ina Thorsgard, Thief River Falls, spent overnight Thursday in the home of his sister, Kathryn and Wendell Erickson. Patrick and Kirsten Anderson, Sioux Falls, joined them here for supper and to visit. Mary Carter and her daughter, Marilyn Metzger, Hawarden, Iowa, attended the funeral of a long-time friend, Hilda Vollmer, 86, Wednesday at East Side Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls.

Where does the time go? Here we are in the latter part of November and it seems to me I just turned the calendar. The changing season brings a pleasant change to our scenery which is so well described by author Ruth Krider in "November.""November, the brief intermission before winter’s deep sleep; when autumn leaves silently abandon the twig to lay a crisp, brown carpet to shield the sod against the freeze waiting in the wings. "The country enters a quiet time. A period to reflect on trials and triumphs from seed-time to harvest, an interlude when happy memories are re-kindled at a pause to watch the silvery moonlight shimmer through boney branches, listen to footsteps over dry leaves and to smell the sweet aroma of wood smoke rising in halos above chimney tops."As Thanksgiving season approaches, thoughts turn to other times, other faces and memories that enrich our lives. For all these treasures, may we humbly give thanks to our Creator."The Luverne Senior Citizens dining sets one day apart each month to honor those that are special in Rock County. For recognition this month the Rev. Dan Ramaker and his wife, Karen, from Steen Reformed Church were honored with a dinner in their honor on Thursday noon. Those attending to help them celebrate were Cornie and Darlene Bosch, Betty Boeve, Gladys Van Wettering, Betty Elbers, Cena May Tilstra, Joan Hoogeveen, Winnie Scholten, Jennie Schouwenburg, Ferd Tilstra, Mildred Keunen and Jo Aykens. Mildred Paulsen attended the training session for Senior Ombudsman, which was in Slayton on Thursday. Verla Baker, Henrietta Huenink, Joan Hoogeveen and Winnie Scholten attended the Christian Women’s meeting at United Methodist Church in Rock Rapids on Wednesday noon.Thanksgiving Day services will be at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, in Steen Reformed Church.Tuesday morning the Bloodmobile was at H-BC High School. I hope they had a good turnout. Lew Brouwer was admitted to Luverne Community Hospital on Thursday night. He was able to return home later in the week. Anita and Gregg Bosch from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, came Sunday to visit in the homes of their parents, Art and Henrietta Boeve and Dries and Laura May Bosch. They helped Art and Henrietta celebrate their wedding anniversary and also Henrietta’s birthday. Congratulations to Jodi and Lonnie Ackerman on the birth of a daughter, Shelly Grace, who was born Nov. 15 at Luverne Community Hospital. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Margaret Bakker in the death of her sister-in-law Gert Vande Woulde. Melba Boeve’s sister, Wilda Pfeiffer, Coffeen, Ill., came Sunday to spend a week in the home of her sister and spend Thanksgiving together. Mildred Paulsen attended the funeral service for Grace Slieter at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills Friday morning. Grace had been their neighbor many years ago. Jo and Joyce Aykens were Tuesday dinner guests in the Paul and Carole Aykens home in Orange City, Iowa. Their afternoon coffee was enjoyed at the home of Jo’s daughter, Laurie and Vince Kurtz, who now make their home in Orange City. Saturday the Sioux Falls Sweet Adelines Sound Cascade was in concert at Younkers in Sioux Falls from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mildred Paulsen is a member of the chorus and also sang.Henrietta Boeve celebrated her birthday on Friday at her home. Those helping her celebrate were Anna Elbers, Betty Boeve, Darlene Bosch, Gert Hup, Joan Paulsen, Melba Boeve and Laura May Bosch. We only have a few days until the observance of Thanksgiving. As a nation as well as individuals we all have so much to be thankful for. However, when I was looking through some magazines this title caught my eye and I must say I was more than a little upset at the title, "For What Can We Be Thankful?" Here we are, living in the best nation in the world! We have so much! After reading the article I decided maybe we should all understand it better.For What Can We Be Thankful?"In this Thanksgiving season we are exhorted on every hand to ‘give thanks.’ The blessings of life are enumerated at length and we are reminded of the many wonderful things that are ours. Lest this spirit of thankfulness become a shallow, ‘Pollyanna’ attitude, here is a suggestion in regard to some of those factors in life for which we are usually not so thankful:"We may be thankful in everything, if not for everything. There are things for which we cannot be thankful, but if we look deep enough, we may see something in everything that is just cause for thanksgiving. We at least can thank God that the wrong things are not the permanent things, that we have the glorious task of helping to destroy them; that here is our opportunity of rendering service to a needy world — a purpose and a reason for living. "We are not thankful for sickness or suffering, for poverty, ignorance, or crime, but we are thankful for the forces that are surely conquering them; for medical science that is grappling with disease, for institutions of mercy and healing, for the havens of refuge for the helpless, and for the ever-increasing army of noble souls who are giving their time and energy to bringing about a better social order. "Truly there is much in the world for which — and in which — we can be thankful."I hope we never forget.

By Lexi MooreBeaver Creek Township resident Glenda Kuehl was honored Friday as the Minnesota Township Leader of the Year in the category of "Under 400 Population."The Leader of the Year awards recognize accomplished township officers nominated by their peers and chosen by an independent panel of judges. Kuehl has been a township officer for 24 years. During this time she spent 22 years as an "exemplary treasurer assisting the township through some pretty heavy debts from unexpected flooding and heavier than usual snowfall," according to the Minnesota Association of Townships."Her sound fiscal diligence helped get these debts paid off on time and resulted in a positive operating expense for many years, all while Beaver Creek Township maintains a levy in the lower end of surrounding communities’ average."This year Kuehl’s leadership led to the purchase of a new maintenance building and new township building in a cooperative effort with the City of Beaver Creek.The township’s building had been occupied since the early 1900s and its condition was deplorable. When Kuehl heard that the City of Beaver Creek was looking to build a new city hall and fire department, she saw an opportunity.The Association said, "Glenda, with her mind and financial expertise, went to work organizing meetings which resulted in cooperative negotiations and a final project which pleased all. The township now has a newer, larger office building, as well as a new maintenance area, which provide a better working environment for all."Awards were presented by the Minnesota Association of Townships President, Loren Ingebretsen, at the Association’s annual conference held in St. Cloud.

By Lexi MooreGeorgina Kusi grew up in Ghana, Africa. When she was 16 she visited relatives in New Jersey and New York City and immediately decided to plan a return trip to America.After finishing school in Accra, Ghana, Georgina enrolled in the Center for Cultural Interchange. Through this program she was given the opportunity to spend 10 months with the Merle and Shelly Knobloch family in Hills, Minnesota.Accra, Georgina’s home town, is an urban city in the warmer region of Africa. She has been adjusting to the many changes since moving to southwestern Minnesota. There aren’t many farms in the area near Accra, where farming is not considered a respectable occupation.The size of Hills was also a shock to Georgina. "There is always something going on," she said of her home town. "There is church, family and laughter." Naomi, Georgina’s mother, encouraged her to learn and speak English in addition to French and her native language Twi. An English book, "Little Red Riding Hood," was given to her when she was only 3 years old. Her language skills have made her adjustment to American life much easier. Transitioning to school in AmericaAttending Hills-Beaver Creek has been very different from the schooling Georgina received in Ghana.There were 500 seniors in her graduating class. At H-BC every class is small and students get more individual attention from teachers. Georgina was accustomed to having 40 students in a room at one time.Another difference is the absence of religion from American schools. Every day at her former school started with prayer. "I miss praying in school. Also I miss the politeness of my classmates."She has noticed that students at H-BC are not as respectful toward their teachers and peers. She doesn’t hear "thank you," "excuse me" or "I’m sorry" as often as she did in Ghana.Georgina has volunteered at the H-BC elementary school, where she spoke with the sixth grade class about her experiences in Africa. She said students were excited about her photos and stories, but they wondered why she couldn’t say more about African animals, despite her explanation that she grew up in a large city. Next summer when Georgina’s time with the Knobloch family is over, she hopes to continue her adventure in America. When asked about her plans for the future, Georgina replied, "My future is so bright we had better wear shades."She has applied for several scholarships from the University of Minnesota and would like to get her pre-law degree. Her family has encouraged her to use all of the resources she can while she is here.Georgina said her placement in Hills has opened her eyes to a different side of America than she had expected. She said she’s grown to appreciate many of Hills’ qualities. "It is so peaceful here. I think I will build a house in this area someday," she said. "There are no thieves, and the people are so nice."