Regardless of which political party you support, all of us should have real concern for the expanding national debt. An eye opening article appeared in Monday’s Minneapolis Tribune. In it the current national debt figures were shown to be $7,442,486,001,563.20 and counting. If that doesn’t grab your attention, then how about the figures showing each family’s share which is $76,356!Our government is borrowing money from foreign countries, some of which are not friendly toward us. Interest alone on our debts is cause for concern. Each of us can at last ask our government representatives to put fiscal restraint ahead of party politics.Dave HesselLuverne

I guess I have to take exception to a statement made in your article on the school referendum in your Oct. 21 Star Herald.Toward the end of the article it is stated, "Those who don’t own property won’t be affected by the referendum."If they are living here, and not owning any property, they must be renting. It’s not difficult to see that rents will have to increase as our government tries to squeeze landlords ever more. A related observation. One day last week I stopped for an early coffee and proceeded north on Highway 75. Although it was dark, I noticed a car passing me that had a sign in a window that said, "I support the Luverne school referendum." The car had South Dakota plates and turned left at Dodge Street.I wonder if they are voting for Daschle or that other guy. Bill FrakesLuverne

On Monday, Oct. 25, I attended Luverne Public Schools’ operating levy referendum information meeting. I was one of only a handful of people who attended the meeting conducted by Superintendent Schafer. As a former public school employee, I am very familiar with the publishing of information regarding operating as well as bond referendums. While I found the information pamphlet mailed to district residents about the upcoming $455 operating vote helpful, it was misleading. The same pamphlet and information were also given out during the public meeting.It was only by attending the public forum and asking the question did I fully understand the upcoming operating levy vote of $455 will be in ADDITION to the current $400 operating levy approved in 2001. The current levy can be in effect for the next seven years. Together, the current levy and the upcoming levy, if approved, will give Luverne Public Schools an $855 operating levy.However, only the $400 operating levy is actually depicted in the information pamphlet and was shown and explained at the meeting. This showed Luverne well under the state average and in the lower third as compared with other area districts’ levies. The chart and the information it supplied did not give an accurate picture that included the upcoming referendum vote. It led me to believe that the upcoming $455 vote may REPLACE the current $400 levy, meaning only an additional $55 levy was being requested. This is not true at all. The correct information was verified by Superintendent Schafer in the form of a question, which he answered without hesitation. I wish to share this information with readers so that they, too, will know this proposed operating levy will be an additional tax on top of the current levy. While Superintendent Schafer explained that Board of Education members do not have to ask for the full levy amounts, I have yet to experience any governmental agency that has willingly exercised that option.Mavis FodnessHardwick

To the young man who paid for my dinner at Subway in Pelican Rapids Sunday noon, Oct. 17. He said he was from Luverne. Thanks very much.Luverne, you helped raise a generous, fine young man.Cecil FemlingPelican Rapids

Author Ralph Perry has said, "Voting is the least arduous of a citizen’s duties. He has the prior and harder duty of making up his mind." He must have been referring to the 2004 election. In the 2002 general election 84 percent of those registered in Rock County voted. In the 2004 primary election one precinct in Luverne had less than 10 voters. We can do better. If you have not registered to vote, you may do so at the office of the Auditor/Treasurer or at your polling place Nov. 2.Consider voting a responsibility and please study the issues, listen to the candidates, make an informed decision and cast your ballot on Nov. 2. Annabelle FrakesLuverne

10 years ago (1994)"When it comes to making ends meet, farmers and the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council are teaming up to do just that. And when it comes to getting a job done, farmers and the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry are getting that done, too. Earlier this year, the PIC established a program for those farmers, spouses, young adults over age 18, and other disaster affected persons to earn some extra cash. PIC funded temporary jobs to assist in clean-up, repair and/or reconstruction of disaster damaged public property."25 years ago (1979)"The official announcement that the Hills-Beaver Patriots will join the Big Seven Football Conference was made this week by Patriot Head Coach, Dale Huber. The Big Seven is a 9-man football conference. The Patriots switched from the 11-man football game this year and by doing so dropped out of the Star Conference they have played in for the past several years. The teams involved in the Big Seven conference are Balaton, Cottonwood, Hendricks, Ivanhoe, Morton, Lake Benton and Raymond."50 years ago (1954)"Elsewhere in The Crescent this week will be found an announcement that Dr. John M. Hermanson is going to resume his practice at Valley Springs, after about a year’s absence. Having built up a considerable practice in this area, his many friends will be happy to hear this news."75 years ago (1929)"Neighboring exchanges are commenting on the big lot of solicitors, agents, beggars, etc., who are infesting their towns. Same can be said for Hills. Naturally, as long as people keep on handing out money to beggars, just so long will they steer clear of everything that looks like work. In the case of an old man, it’s different, but the healthy and strong can find plenty of work on farms if they try."100 years ago (1904)"Monday will be Hallowe’en and we would advise our citizens to snugly stow away all loose property about their premises, load the family blunderbuss with a generous supply of crushed rock salt and keep it trained all night in the direction of the backyard. The grown-up Hallowe’en imps have become bolder each year, and a few shot-gun compliments would not come amiss from long-suffering property-holders. Next year this place will in all probability be incorporated and the village marshal will be instructed to invite a little party of deputies to stay up all night with the imps, and see that the topography of the town remains unchanged."

Jean and Emory Larson, Shelby Township, Mich., spent from Friday until Sunday a week ago in the home of her sister, Harriet Skattum.On Sunday Don and Edyth Briggs attended the Youth String orchestra concert at Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls. Wilmer and Betty Elbers joined other family members at the home of Cheryl Elbers in Valley Springs Sunday afternoon to celebrate the birthdays of Steven Walker and Mitchell and Madison Elbers. Sunday afternoon Joanne Goehle drove to Bonesteel, S.D., and also to Gregory, S.D., to attend the 46th anniversary of her sister and brother-in-law, Carole and Marvin Gies. Joanne spent the night at the home of her brother and sister-in-law Ed and Cheryl Jons in Bonesteel and returned to Hills.Visitors over the weekend in the home of Darlene Anderson, Luverne, were Gary and Diane Vink, Iola, Kan., and Harvey and Barbara Klowitter, Marshfield, Wis. The girls are daughters of the late Nels and Doris Anderson, Steen. They visited their sister Doreen Anderson of Luverne and other relatives and friends in the area. The Vink daughters and Denise and Karessa Clexen flew in from Salt Lake City, Utah, for a visit with the relatives. Harriet Skattum returned home Thursday after spending a week in the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Margo and Dewayne Edwards, at Forestburg, S.D. Harriet and her daughter cooked the pheasants which the Edwards’ family hunters brought in. The hunters came from Indiana and Texas for the hunting season. Wednesday of last week Rose Bleyenberg, Edgerton, Hendrene Veldkamp, Luverne, and Betty Elbers attended the Women’s Christian Club meeting in Rock Rapids. Jean Smith, Lititz, Pa., spent from the 17th until the 22nd in the home of her mother, Mary Carter. Cliff and Vi VanWyhe attended the New York Knicks and the Timberwolves basketball game at Sioux Falls Arena Friday night. Joanne Goehle drove to Tracy Monday, Oct. 18, to see her grandson Andrew Carmany of Tyler play football.Fran Sandager accompanied Sheldon and Ellie Sandager to the Cities last Tuesday to visit with Marie and Merle Muckala. Fran returned home Wednesday night. Betty Elbers attended the band performance at Washington High School in Sioux Falls Friday evening. Her granddaughter Kelsey Elbers played a flute in the band. Rich, Michele and Patrick Nester, Winona, and Nikki Nester, a college student at the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire, were guests of Joanne Goehle from Friday until Sunday. Dick and Audrey Heidenson returned home Sunday night after a two-week vacation spent visiting their former hometown at Arlington Heights, Ill. They visited former friends and their former church there. En route and returning, they spent the weekends with friends in Janesville, Wis. All the children and grandchildren of Chuck and Rheta DeBoer had an early Thanksgiving Friday night. The group numbered 20. Mark, Brenda, Zack, Katie and Colby Hadler, Edgerton, Steve, Andrew, Elliot and Allison Carmany, Tyler, Vivian Holst, Luverne, and Tom Goehle, along with the Nester family were Saturday dinner guests of Joanne Goehle. Evelyn Rogness is in a swing bed at Luverne Community Hospital. Marcella Theis is now in Tuff Memorial Home. Mae Top is recuperating at Tuff Memorial Home after her fall last Wednesday.

Our weather has been cooperating with our farmers who are frantically working to get their crops out of the fields before winter puts in his appearance. It seems our biggest problem of late has been the extremely high winds which are with us nearly every day. Saturday was especially bad. I know we need winds to dry the crops as well as the fields to complete the harvest. However, I think it would be nice to have a little time off so we could enjoy the beautiful autumn days before winter’s chill sets in and we have to get out the snow shovels. Fall seems to be the season of the year when we have enough free time to enjoy all of the activities that are available to us. I know the pheasant season has opened. I am not sure if it still is, but sooner or later the deer season will arrive. The World Series began this past weekend. I can remember when the World Series was being played, all other activities were put on hold until it was over. However, reality is getting its share of publicity this year. Some say rural America is a dull place to live. Wrong! I don’t know how we could be involved in anything more! Our National Election will be here in just a few days and Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday. That leaves us with many things to think about but please … don’t forget to vote!Marlin and Linda Elbers and their daughters, Stacy and Sonya, attended Parents’ Day at a college in Duluth this weekend. Their son Jeremy is a student there.Joyce and Jo Aykens and Mildred Keunen were guests in the home of Jo’s son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Carole Aykens, Orange City, Iowa, on Saturday. Paul and Carole’s family were all home and they celebrated Jo’s birthday together there. Happy Birthday to her!Ken Bos underwent corrective eye surgery on Wednesday. Hope all goes well for him. Pastor Dan and wife Karen left Sunday afternoon for Wisconsin where they will officiate at a relative’s wedding. The Rev. Bert Den Herder will fill the pulpit in Steen Reformed Church this coming Sunday in his absence. Orrin and Bernice Aukes attended the Harvest Festival at Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne Sunday evening. It began with an evening dinner for all of the residents and their guests and relatives. This was followed by a program which was presented by a couple from Windom who played instruments and sang for their guests. They inspired some of those attending to dance! What a nice thing to have happen! Needless to say, a good time was had by all.Pastor Dan and Karen Ramaker of Steen Reformed Church hosted their annual parish dinner for those of the congregation who are widows or widowers and others of the congregation who are alone. The pastor and his wife provide the meal as well as the evening. What a wonderful thing to do! There were 32 in attendance. Henrietta Huenink, Winnie Scholten and Joan Hoogeveen attended the Christian Women’s monthly meeting at United Methodist Church in Rock Rapids Wednesday noon. A program followed the luncheon. Mildred Paulsen was one of those attending the dinner in honor of former and present Rock County’s Outstanding Citizens on Friday at the Senior Center in Luverne. The Steen Opportunity Extension Club had their October meeting Tuesday evening at the Winnie Scholten home. Program for the evening was a travelogue given by Melba Boeve who recently returned from a trip to Thailand. Lunch was served by Henrietta Boeve. I thought the below article was so appropriate for the times.The True AmericanBy Verl A. TeeterThe TRUE AMERICAN believes in liberty, justice, equal opportunity, and the dignity of man. He also believes that the government is the servant of the people, not their master. He realizes that freedom can destroy us if we do not know how to use it.The true American is proud of America; proud that he is a citizen of a Republic. He realizes that American citizenship is a great privilege and a priceless treasure. He understands that both entail certain responsibilities on the part of each individual. The true American protects and upholds the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and our American form of government. He helps preserve the conditions that made America great. The true American believes in the free enterprise system and in the ownership of private property. The true American is a law-abiding citizen. He obeys and respects the laws of his community, state, and nation. He is informed on national affairs so that he may vote intelligently and use his rights of citizenship wisely. He casts his vote in all elections and votes for what he believes to be the best for his country. He helps to elect honest, capable and patriotic public officials.The true American speaks out against evil and corruption in his community, state and nation and wages a fight against crime and immorality. The true American is tolerant. He respects the convictions of others, their property rights and properly constituted authority. The true American has self-respect. He takes pride in supporting himself and his family. He is thrifty. He avoids extravagance and lives within his income. He meets his obligations and pays his bills promptly. He is industrious. He enjoys his work and believes that all honorable work is dignified and necessary, and that there is no substitute for honest toil. The true American is broadminded and humane. His heart and hand go out to help the needy and the helpless. The true American helps keep our educational, religious and political institutions free from communism and its propaganda.

There may finally be a good excuse for carrying around extra weight. As it turns out, by donating our waist products (as opposed to waste products) we may possibly advance medical science and benefit most of mankind. Scientists from the International Fat Applied Technology Society, a real group according to several news sources, met recently in Pittsburgh to discuss an exciting possibility — fat might be a good source of stem cells. Although human studies of the cells might not begin for another five years, hopes are high that fat-derived stem cells will treat a wide variety of serious health problems. The president of the society notes that the group "is trying to make fat do good." That’s a noble mission and it will change the way we identify medical donors on the street. Until now, the only accurate way to determine whether or not a complete stranger was a medical donor was to push him into an alley, knock him down, take his wallet and read his driver’s license. We have been much too polite to ask directly. That system, although seriously flawed, will soon change when six out of every 10 Americans, the number that’s classified as overweight, will look like potential donors. Sharing one’s fat through liposuction in order to make this world a better place would be somewhat similar to donating blood or having long tresses lopped off so that wigs can be made for less fortunate, hairless people in third world countries. In all three cases — fat, blood and hair — with a healthy diet and a robust appetite, those donated items will grow back quickly. The same can’t be said for donors who decide to give up organs they already have two of, such as lungs or kidneys. Their sacrifices are great, but with luck they will still to able to rely upon spare duplicate parts for their own survival. (That’s not true of one man I heard about in the early 60s, who donated a kidney to his brother at a university hospital. Unfortunately, mistakes had been made and his donated kidney was his only one.) What would really be heroic, and extremely foolish, would be donating a body part you only have one of, such as a heart, brain or complete liver, while you’re still alive and healthy. A surplus fat donation program might be the only instance when people will stand in line to give with everything they have. In fact, they might be willing to pay to donate. It would be a win-win situation. Donors would lose measurable inches of fat from their bodies and medical researchers would be able to work with and live off the fat of the land. Researchers would talk with pride about their largest contributors. The term "fat cats" would take on a new meaning. Instead of being held in disdain for the extra weight they carry around, donors of surplus fat would be revered as heroes. "The Wind Beneath My Wings," a popular song about personal heroes, could be rewritten as "The Fat Beneath My Wings." Singers with extended vocabularies would sing about "The Adipose Tissue Beneath My Wings." There’s better than a fat chance that we will eventually see wordy, super-sized T-shirts on the streets reading, "I’m proud to be a fat-derived stem cell donor." Unfortunately for underweight people, the shirts won’t be available in their smaller sizes.