By Jolene FarleyAn accident Saturday northeast of Steen on Minnesota 270 in Rock County, sent two men to the hospital. The Minnesota State Highway Patrol investigated a "T-Bone" accident at 11:14 a.m. involving Kim Kimmel, 57, of Magnolia, and John (Jack) Hokeness, 57, of Rushmore. Hokeness, whose 2001 Chevrolet Silverado was a total loss, was towing a trailer of pumpkins west on Highway 270 for delivery to one of Hokeness Farms’ produce stands in Sioux Falls, S.D.Kimmel who was driving south, failed to stop at a stop sign, according to Hokeness. "By the time I realized he wasn’t going to stop," Hokeness said. "I was right on top of him."Kim Kimmel’s vehicle, a 1996 Chevrolet Suburban was also totaled.A passerby after both vehicles were towed said pumpkins were scattered everywhere.Both drivers were taken to Luverne Community Hospital and then airlifted to Sioux Valley Hospital, Sioux Falls, S.D. Hokeness, who was wearing a seatbelt, was released from the hospital Saturday night. He had broken and bruised ribs and head lacerations. Kimmel, who wasn’t wearing a seatbelt, was reached by phone at the hospital but declined an interview. Hokeness went back to the scene of the accident after leaving the hospital, and he said he Kimmel’s view was obstructed by a cornfield."It was a pretty blind intersection for him," he said. First Responder Joe Deutsch, Ellsworth, happened to drive by the scene soon after the vehicles collided, and he administered initial first aid, according to Hokeness.

By Jolene FarleyThe Hills-Beaver Creek School Board reviewed 2004-05 preliminary budget numbers at a Monday meeting."I’m not trying to scare anybody, but I’m showing the cold hard facts," Superintendent Dave Deragisch said. Total revenues for the district decreased from $2,878,828 in the 2003-04 school year to $2,767,075 for the 2004-05 school year while total expenses increased from $2,878,668 to $3,140,850, a shortfall of $373,775. Deragisch explained a $14,264 increase in the transportation budget was due to rising fuel costs. He said a $32,734 decrease in capital spending was due to very limited purchasing. "We didn’t buy supplies this year because we didn’t have the money," he said. Debt service increased in this year’s budget because of the locker room project. Deragisch reiterated to the board that the budget is preliminary and school funding sources can change."When you’re talking budgets and you’re talking money," he said. "It’s coming and going."Later in the meeting, the board certified the $855 per student unit levy approved at the special meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 7. The levy would be payable beginning with 2005 property taxes.Voters in the Hills-Beaver Creek school district will decide in November whether to approve the proposal for the 10-year operating levy referendum.Choir and band tripVocal music teacher Jody Ackerman and instrumental music teacher Josh Hogburg updated the board on the choir and band trip in April. Former band instructor Brent Steinert began planning the four-day/three-night trip to Chicago last year. "We checked out prices and qualifications for groups," Ackerman said. He and Hogburg were the most comfortable with Group Travel Planners of St. Paul. The cost of the trip with Group Travel is estimated at $331 per person. This amount could increase if fewer than 60 students and chaperones signed up for the trip. Each student has a separate account for money they raised through different fundraisers to help pay for the cost of the trip. In other business …
Grant applications were submitted to the Rock County Family Services Collaborative for continuing the KidKare Program, the Reading, Math and Writing Family Nights, Summer Book of the Week Club. The district will know by the end of December the status of these grants.
Deragisch informed the board a contract was offered for the school social worker opening. The social worker is a joint position for the Rock County Collaborative (Rock County Family Services, Southwestern Mental Health, Luverne School District and Hills-Beaver Creek School District).H-BC is the financial agent for this position with the money coming from the collaborative. This allows federal special education reimbursement for the position.

10 years ago (1994)"The Luverne Cardinal tennis team continues to compile an impressive record after winning two of three matches this week.Luverne beat Sioux Falls Roosevelt at home Thursday and bested Worthington on the road Monday. Sioux Falls Lincoln denied the Cardinals a perfect week by handing them a 3-2 setback in Luverne Tuesday.The Cards now sport a 4-2 record."25 years ago (1979)"The Luverne School Board held the first of several ‘brainstorming sessions’ at the close of the regular meeting Monday night. Superintendent Norman Miller presented some long-range goals for both the elementary and secondary school that were formulated through discussions he had with members of the community, fellow administration staff members and others.… Number one on the list presented by Miller for both the elementary and secondary school is energy concerns.Energy included heating the buildings in future years and whether number five fuel oil should be considered over number two."50 years ago (1954)"Sale of U.S. Savings Bonds in Rock County had reached 94 percent of the quota for the period ending August 31, it was announced by Bryan McRobert, county bond chairman. Rock County was second high in the state in the sale of bonds to reach or surpass its quota. Only Lac qui Parle County exceeds Rock County with 96.5 percent of its quota made."75 years ago (1929)"All but eight of fourty-one head of Holsteins in the dairy herd of Barck & Anderson, of Mound township, reacted to a tuberculin test made by Dr. A.M. Anderson the latter part of last week. Thirty-three head in the herd were found to be affected with tuberculosis and have, therefore, been condemned and must be disposed of at a packing plant or kept under quarantine. After delivery at a packing plant a careful inspection will be made and the carcasses found unfit for food will be condemned and used for tankage, while those parts not affected by tubercular lesions will be disposed of in the usual manner."100 years ago (1904)"The farmers’ independent telephone line in Beaver Creek township, which is designated by the company as the ‘Ingelson Line,’ was completed last week, Wednesday, and covers a distance of about seventeen miles, extending from Beaver Creek to Garrretson. At this place long distance connection has been made by the new line, in conjunction with the Beaver Creek telephone system, with the Citizens’ Telephone Company, and communication can now be had by the farmers with Sioux Falls and other points."

SEPTEMBER 9, 2004MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 2184, ROCK COUNTY, LUVERNE, MINNESOTA. A regular meeting of the Board of Education, ISD #2184, was held in the District Office on Thursday, September 9, 2004, at 7:30 p.m. The following members were present: Don Bryan, Colleen Deutsch, Dan Kopp, Cary Radisewitz, Bill Stegemann, Steve Tofteland, and Becky Walgrave. Also present: Superintendent Vince Schaefer, Marlene Mann, Gary Fisher, Jane Cote, Tor Boen, and Kyle Eastman.The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Becky Walgrave. Superintendent Schaefer gave announcements including an addendum to the agenda and there will be two committee meetings next week: finance will meet at 7:00 a.m. on September 14 and Personnel will meet at 7:00 a.m. on September 16. Motion by Stegemann, second by Deutsch, to approve the agenda with addendum. Motion unanimously carried.Administrative reports were given.Motion by Stegemann, second by Kopp, to approve the school board minutes of August 26, 2004. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Tofteland, second by Kopp, to approve the hiring of Kristi Groth as Early Childhood Family Education Parent Educator at a salary of $19.67 per hour. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Radisewitz, second by Kopp, to approve a maternity leave of absence for Angela Janiszeski, Discovery Time preschool teacher, from approximately October 6 through November 24. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Stegemann, second by Bryan, to approve a maternity leave of absence for Angela Ahrendt, Title I and Reading Recovery teacher, for twelve weeks beginning approximately December 10. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Deutsch, second by Tofteland, to approve a Psychology Practicum Agreement with Augustana College for Jen Stratton to work with Marie Atkinson-Smeins this fall. Motion unanimously carried. Kyle Eastman presented information regarding the choir trip being planned for June 2005. Motion by Radisewitz, second by Deutsch, to approve this trip. Motion unanimously carried. Committee reports were given.The upcoming meeting dates were reviewed.Motion by Radisewitz, second by Stegemann, to adjourn. Motion unanimously carried. Dated: September 9, 2004Colleen Deutsch, Clerk (9-28)

Put your trust in print:National Newspaper Week is Oct. 3 to 9 Sometimes it’s hard to believe what you read, but I hope the Star Herald has your trust … as much as it can, that is.In an era where print and broadcast organizations are run like corporations instead of newsrooms — where partisan pandering is more important than neutrality — I hope the local paper still has a place of respect in your home.The latest issue of American Journalism Review published a poll that showed most people are skeptical of journalists and their work.I could have guessed that much, but it’s even worse than I thought: it seems reporters are seen as barely more ethical than Hitler and just smarter than chimps.Here are some of the results: oOnly 39 percent agreed with the statement that, "The news media try to report the news without bias." Staying unbiased is always at the forefront of my mind — whether I’m covering a government meeting or doing a pleasant retirement story on someone I don’t believe worked very hard. I let the story reflect how information was presented to me.oA whopping 61 percent of Americans said falsifying stories is a widespread problem. I think Star Herald readers know their community enough to see that our sources and information are factual. We couldn’t invent them and not be run out of town.oJust 56 percent said newspapers should be allowed to freely criticize the military and its strategy or performance. Even facts, in a time of war, can be interpreted as critical of the military.In the same way, many of our readers think we shouldn’t be able to criticize our local governments in times of controversy. They think it’s just unpleasant, and should be left out of the paper. But if we don’t put criticisms in print and on the record, who would?Locally, our Star Herald readers have commented about the paper itself being pro-city or pro-county. By looking back at the news pages, week after week, both sides of recent controversies are equally outlined. So the paper itself can’t be called biased. The opinion page, on the other hand, is designated to express opinions of individual writers, so saying that page is "biased" is a compliment to effective writing.oThe poll showed that 12 percent said the press has too little freedom — the highest such response in the history of the survey. However, another 42 percent of Americans believe the press has too much freedom. Remember just whom that press freedom belongs to. It’s every American, not just those of us who take the time to run around the county with a notebook, pen and camera. That’s why we celebrate things like the upcoming National Newspaper Week. It’s a recognition of all of us: reporters, letter writers, newspaper readers.After reading the AJR poll, I am enlightened … and a little disheartened. I know that winning a popularity contest isn’t the point of journalism, but earning your trust would sure make my day.

(Saturday, 8 a.m.) What a great idea for a column! According to Reuters, Jyrki Kivela is a commander at a military conscription unit in Finland, where all men must serve at least six months in the military. He reports that several men have been discharged shortly after enlisting because they had previously become "addicted" to the Internet and longed for their computers. "For people who play (Internet) games all night and don’t have any friends, don’t have any hobbies, to come into the army is a very big shock," Kivela noted. Apparently, friendliness is a prerequisite for warlike, hostile behavior. Can you imagine that? Being so hopelessly addicted to the Internet that you can’t even serve your country? Someone should tell those young men to get a life. (Saturday, 9:35 a.m.) Something, probably one of the hurricanes down south, is interfering with the computer’s satellite reception in our home. This would really send some of those young Finns into a tizzy, wouldn’t it? At least we can laugh about it. (Ten minutes later) Still no signal. The computer is working, but the Internet isn’t. No e-mail either. Maybe this is a good thing. What a perfect excuse to take some time off, enjoy a beautiful, sunny September day and write some overdue notes on that gift stationery from last Christmas. A day like this is a perfect time to stop and smell the roses. (Saturday, 10:05 a.m.) The note-writing isn’t going very well although one envelope is addressed and ready for mailing. It’s so slow! Still no satellite signal. The sky is partly cloudy now, but it doesn’t seem to bother the pair of squirrels playfully scampering on the lawn. What a delight they are! (Fifteen minutes later) Halfway through with a note to my sister. The squirrels stopped scampering and are now digging through two planters of petunias on the deck. The sky is completely overcast and it looks like rain. What happens to e-mail when it’s not promptly delivered? Is it held someplace for safekeeping until a computer is working again? I must admit that I miss reading, "You have mail!" (10:30 a.m.) The flower planters outside look miserable. Broken petunia stems are scattered all around them. I keep checking the Internet and the e-mail. Zilch. Nada. What if there’s an emergency out there and someone is trying to reach us? The sky is looking darker and it definitely is going to rain. What a disgusting day. (10:55 a.m.) Bad thought. It suddenly occurs to me that I read someplace that pink and black are hot colors for this fall, and there is nothing pink in my closet! With the Internet down, ordering something to wear is impossible! Still no e-mail. Are our children trying to reach us? How popular will pink be? (11:30 a.m.) How long must I sit here, waiting for the Internet and e-mail? This is ridiculous. What’s more, someone has just asked what we’re having for lunch. What part of crisis don’t they understand? The entire world is falling apart and they’re worried about food! (1:10 p.m.) This is maddening! I need to hear from news services, friends, anyone! I need to look up interesting facts on the Internet and there are countless things that need to be ordered! One thing is certain — I’m not leaving this computer until the e-mail comes through and things are back to normal. Will this rain never stop? I won’t be able to think about Finnish soldiers and whatever their problem is until this computer is connected to the rest of the world. And, no, I don’t need a cup of coffee to steady my nerves, thank you very much!

Luverne is my hometown. I always expected to be "home" by now. It’s been 22 years since I left 209 North Estey Street. Canada has done well for this dual-citizen. While I no longer walk down the streets of Dad’s and my "hometown," I continue to be "my father’s daughter." Which means I remain strong to the values and ideals he had when he ran to be the DFL’s U.S. Congressional candidate in 1972. I will never believe in trickle-down anything except tears of shame. We currently do not live in the forest. We know it well, but looking at it from a distance, ex-patriot Americans know, better than others, how we citizens of other countries feel about the Bush Administration and have begun to transfer that wrath to individual Americans. There is very little respect for the current administration and even less trust in the truth of any documentation released. The "You are with us or against us (that is, with "them!") pogrom is contemptible. Do Americans know what their status is? Are you an "Us?" or a "Them?" How do you know? Did you check out a book on the Homeland Security Watch List? Does your kid at college have foreign-born friends? Do you know someone with money that comes from "somewhere?"Who makes the rules for who is "Us" and who is "Them?" Have you noticed that you become "Them" quickly if you aren’t parroting the re-election spin of the current administration? No?"Don’t ask. Don’t tell," that might keep you in the "Us" column. A donation to Bush/Cheney ’04 will not guarantee it. Vice-President Chaney’s family values include the unconditional love of allowing his lesbian daughter, Mary, to campaign for the team, but stop at allowing her to appear with the family on-stage at the Republican National Convention. How fast will you fall into the "Them" column, when, despite your donations, strong church affiliations and family values, it is found out that your cousin organizes bus trips for seniors to purchase their prescription medications in Canada at 60 percent less than American prices? What about electing a government that will control your drug costs instead of putting American pharmacists out of work? Do you know how many jobs you personally are "outsourcing" due to purchasing your medications in Canada or Europe? Who will fill your child’s medication at midnight if you have been ordering your medications online from Canada or the European Economic Union? The wages for Canadian pharmacists have increased 38 percent thanks to Americans chasing the cheapest price available. Their average salary is now more than $47 an hour and because the economy of the U.S.A. is a disaster, even the Canadian dollar is almost at par ($10 U.S. = $12.50 CDN).My uncle, James Welch, (also a Luverne native), has worked very hard to EARN the "American Dream" of owning a pharmacy and seeing his children work with him. You continue to elect representatives that would rather negotiate contracts with Canadian pharmacies than fix your medication prices. Your voting patterns may end up making my relatives’ dream a nightmare when they have to close the doors and 50 plus employees are "outsourced." Their former customers won’t be able to get prescriptions from a local pharmacy. There won’t be one. Maybe it isn’t always the big corporations responsible for "outsourcing" but the consumer. If the Bush regime is returned, we will wait another four years and hope that the current damage is not made worse at an escalating rate. We will also hope that it won’t be America’s shame at its inability to have healthy working relationships with the global community who may require or demand years of "trust/truth-tests" before any country enters into any American treaty, agreement, etc. And we will hope that each and every one of our families doesn’t lose. Mary Jo WelchBrandon, Manitoba, Canada

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. If you haven’t been affected by domestic violence personally, consider yourself lucky. Take the time this month to think of those 31 percent of Minnesota women who aren’t that lucky. Domestic violence is like a disease in that it knows no boundaries like religion, class or age. It can happen to anyone. The past year has brought 56 clients to the Luverne office of the Southwest Crisis Center. Each received a variety of our services, but all were there because of one common thing: someone who "loved" them was/is controlling them by using sexual, physical or emotional/verbal abuse or a combination. I ask that you look inside yourself and think about what you would do if a family member revealed to you that they were being abused. I also ask that you look inside yourself and think about what you can do to help end the violence here in Rock County. Raevette LoonanSouthwest Crisis CenterLuverne

As a concerned Christian, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and for the love of my fellow citizens I am writing this letter.I have always strived to be obedient to my Lord Jesus Christ. We Christians have waited far too long to speak out. We allowed one single woman to take prayer out of our schools. Look at all the shootings that have taken place since. Too many guns and knives have been taken to school by our young children. And now we are being told we can no longer display the Ten Commandments in any pubic place. Most of us were raised on the golden rule, as were our ancestors before us!Now, it is being stated to take God out of our nation’s Pledge of Allegiance. Our forefathers came to this country for religious freedoms. We have since and still fight many wars for our freedoms. If we Christians do not take a stand now and speak up, we will lose these freedoms. People are becoming so very selfish and want to change these laws and customs to fit their own desires. Our great Lord is a God of love and compassion. I now look at our moral standards today and see what these standards are doing to our youth and young families. We are killing little babies that our Lord has blessed us with through abortion, which I believe is murder. I, like others, can live the Christian life, but until we are truly born again, with the Holy Spirit in your heart, can we really understand what a stand we now need to take. I was taught to think of what I can do for my country, not what it can do for me. It is time for all of us American Christians to get out and go to the polls to vote, but to be informed of just who and what you are voting for. For only by the grace of our Lord and Savior can we truly have victory over sin that is happening in our nation. As Jonah had to cry out to save Nineveh, so I cry out for my country. It is time to repent and call out to Jesus before it is too late. Love in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.Helen Hunt Luverne