It seems that the trouble in labeling John Kerry a flip-flopper and George W. Bush as arrogant and inflexible, is like the devil: In the details.John Kerry voted for the $87 billion to go to war in Iraq, as did most members of Congress, because the Commander-in Chief of our nation, and his top advisors, told them and the American people that Saddam Hussein's regime was a direct threat to America. And I believe that most members of Congress also voted for this not for an eagerness to send ourmen and women to die in Iraq, but because they believed that this would be a just war, and that we had a reasonable strategy to achieve a civil end to this unprecedented invasion by the United States.As far as the Bush administration's inflexibility goes, where could one start? Before the war started, the UN said that Iraq had no WMD. Intelligenceinvariably reported that Iraq had no connection to al-Qaeda. Iraq never tried to purchase uranium from Niger. Colin Powell himself, the former Head of the joint Chiefs of Staff, personally advocated diplomacy in the face of bullishness.As it turns out, the Bush administration has disappointed the nation, members of Congress, our recently perished troops, our currently wounded, and all of their families by maintaining that this is a war on terror.In the face of all of this, the Bush admisistration chose its path, perhaps long ago, and chose a war they did not understand, did not need and for which they did not prepare, but yet desired.I'm certain that any veteran of a foreign war will never tell you that killing, in any form, or in any action, is glorious. But it should have measurable results and goals if your nation proscribes suchaction. Think Normandy.At this, point the only measure I can see is more than 1000 Americans dead, at best estimate 20,000 Iraqicivilian deaths, oil lines that were allegedly secured now destroyed, inroads to peace made and now severed.It's time for a new Marshall Plan.Matthew Hoiland

MINUTES OF THE SOUTHERN HILLS CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION SEPTEMBER 13, 2004Dana Dahlquist, President of the Condo Assoc., called the meeting to order with the following members present: Dana Dahlquist-President, Linus Svoboda-Vice-All, Jim Jellema, Joanne Goehle-Treasurer, and Connie Wiertzema-Secretary. Members absent: Keith Elbers and Carol Ver Meer. Guest: Ross Metzger.Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Jellema to approve of the minutes of August 10th. Motion carried. Motion by Jellema, seconded by Svoboda to approve payment of the August expenditures. Motion carried. No further business, meeting adjourned at 8:45 P.M.Connie J. WiertzemaSecretary(9-23)

MINUTES OF THE HILLS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITYSEPTEMBER 13, 2004Dana Dahlquist, President of the Hills EDA called the meeting to order at 8:35 P.M. Board present: Dana Dahlquist, Jim Jellema, and Linus Svoboda. Absent: Keith Elbers. Employees present: Joanne Goehle, EDA Treasurer, and Connie Wiertzema, EDA Secretary. Guest: Ross Metzger. Motion by Jellema, seconded by Svoboda to approve of the minutes of August 10th. Motion carried. Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Jellema to approve payment of the August expenditures. Motion carried. Motion by Jellema, seconded by Svoboda to dissolve the Southern Hills Apartment fund, and transfer its checking account funds to the Hills EDA checking account. Also, to rename the Southern Hills Apartment CD to a Hills EDA CD.No further business, meeting adjourned at 8:37 P.MConnie J. WiertzemaSecretary(9-23)

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE HILLS CITY COUNCILSEPTEMBER 13, 2004Mayor Jim Jellema called the meeting to order at 6:05 P.M. with the following Council present: Jim Jellema, Linus Svoboda, and Dana Dahlquist. Council absent: Keith Elbers. Employees present: Connie Wiertzema, City Clerk; Joanne Goehle, City Treasurer; and Wayne Ward, City Maintenance. Guests present: Ross Metzger, Tom Houselog-Rock County Assessor, Dean Goettsch, Gerald Haak and Wilmer Elbers. Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Dahlquist to approve the minutes of August 10th and September 8th. Motion carried. Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Svoboda to approve payment of the August expenditures: General $7,284.37; Park $2,967.64; Fire $2,606.51; Street $2,314.32; Legion $627.41; Sewer $959.44; Garbage $2,951.16; Recycling $492.35; Water $4,197.36; Baseball $29.00; Softball $1,044.01; Law Enforcement $8,944.00. Motion carried. General Checking 96,764.29General Fund CD#18197, 2.5%, 12/4/04 240,288.97General Fund CD#17792 (prev. #15742) 2.5%, 5/29/03 – cashedin 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 23,228.20Hills EDA Security Deposit Account 2,414.23Hills EDA Checking – Acct. #1248 11,288.17Southern Hills Apt. Acct. #1255 8,213.32Southern Hills Condo Acct. #1263 -1.86Southern 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 toSouthern Hills Apts. to pay off apt. bond - $10,661.76EDA CD#18160, 1.5%, 10/17/04 20,000.00EDA CD#18505, .75%, 8/24/04 10,668.55TOTAL $467,420.51Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Svoboda to approve the Treasurer’s report. Motion carried. Tom Houselog, Rock County Assessor, attended the meeting to discuss the proposed cost increase in the Assessment Agreement for 2005. The county is proposing the renewed contract at $5,665, compared to the 2004’ contract at $4,700. The current parcel count in Hills is 360 parcels, costing $15.74 per parcel at the proposed rate. A motion was made by Svoboda, seconded by Dahlquist to contract with Rock County for two years at $15.75 per parcel ($5,665) for 2005; with an additional four percent increase in 2006 for a total of $5,892. Motion carried. Houselog also informed the Council that the Southern Hills Condo Association is not eligible to be taxed under the 5% PILOT agreement, due to changes in the use of the building, and that the bond is paid off. Estimated tax computation sheets were reviewed for each condo unit. Houselog also informed the Council of taxes on the City’s property located on North Church Avenue of approximately $30 per year. Dean Goettsch from Exchange State Agency reviewed the City’s insurance policy renewal and updated rate changes. Liability insurance, based on the City’s expenditures, has decreased by 5%; and property insurance has increased by 10 percent. A motion was made by Svoboda, seconded by Dahlquist to continue to waive the statutory limits for liability coverage. The Council approved the proposed policy, with no changes. Motion carried. Wilmer Elbers and Gerald Haak, representing United Enterprises, attended the meeting to discuss the sale of lots in Block 2 of Park View Third Addition to the City of Hills or Hills EDA. United Enterprises offered to sell Lot 1 for $11,000; Lot 2 for $11,500; and Lot 4 for $11,500. No action was taken at this time. Elbers and Haak will contact their realtor regarding any fee.Ward reported that complaints of rusty or discolored water were not as significant this past month. Jellema noted that there are still problems for two blocks along South Anna Avenue. Discussed whether there is a need for a culvert at the northeast corner of West Second Street and South Church Avenue. The Council agreed to wait until Push, Inc. has packed and replanted grass in the boulevard following cable installation.Pending the availability of funds through the township or county, the Council agreed to spray for mosquitoes at Ash Creek at $85 per hour, plus the cost of chemical. Ward inquired whether the City would consider hauling dirt for Kerkhove’s new home construction for $25 per hour. The Council refused, as the rental fee remains at $40 per hour for equipment, plus labor at time-and-one-half per hour. An insurance claim will be submitted for the replacement of a garage door. Discussion on whether to tear down the garage near the water tower was tabled pending insurance claim information.Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Svoboda to purchase a 1979 Elgin Pelican street sweeper for $12,000 with funds from the general checking account. Motion carried. Ward inquired whether the Council had made a decision on a communication system for city maintenance to keep in contact with his home for emergency purposes. No action was taken. Plans to install handicap accessible pathways at Rez Park, using class II crushed rock, will be discussed next spring.Motion by Dahlquist to nominate Keith Elbers to serve as Mayor Pro-Tem, in place of Arlen Leenderts, throughout 2004. Motion seconded by Svoboda and carried. Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Svoboda to accept an LP contract from Popkes Car Care of $1.049 per gallon through March 31, 2005. Motion carried. Discussion regarding the assessment of blacktop costs was tabled until the October meeting. The Council reviewed a revised draft of the proposed 2005 budget. Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Svoboda to reduce the street fund expense an additional $4,300; and approve of the proposed 2005 budget as discussed. The total proposed property tax for 2005 is $55,447, compared to $50,016 in 2004. The Council set their Truth-in-Taxation meeting for December 14th at 6:00 P.M.Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Dahlquist to approve of a building permit for John DenBesten to construct a patio. Motion carried. No further discussion, meeting adjourned at 8:25 P.M.Connie J. WiertzemaCity Clerk(9-23)

Hills-Beaver Creek Dist. 671Minutes8-23-04The Hills-Beaver Creek School Board met for its semimonthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the elementary school in Beaver Creek for a walk through of the building and was called to order by Vice-Chairman Esselink. After the walk through the meeting was resumed in the library in Hills. Board members present were Leuthold, Larson, DeBoer, Harnack, Boeve, Esselink, and Baker. Superintendent Deragisch and Principal Holthaus were also in attendance. Chairman Harnack recognized the visitors to the meeting. Jolene Farley of The Crescent was the only visitor. Motion by DeBoer, second by Baker and carried to approve the agenda.The minutes of the last meeting were approved as sent out. Motion by Esselink, second by Larson, and carried to approve the LP bid of .949 per gallon and #2 fuel oil of 1.199 per gallon with Popkes Oil. Motion by Leuthold, second by DeBoer, and carried to hire Sherry Paulsen as an elementary teacher assistant. Motion by Boeve, second by Esselink, and carried to hire Wade Jellema as a part-time cross country assistant coach. Superintendent Deragisch gave updates on the head cook position and the No Child Left Behind Report Card. A summary of the summer MSBA Convention was given.A date was discussed for the finance committee to meet.Dates to Remember: August 24 Staff Picnic 6:30 pm at the Hills Park August 30-31 Staff Workshop September 1 First day of school September 13 School Board meetingAgenda item for next meeting: Finance updateA walk through was then conducted at the high school.Meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m.Ann Boeve, Clerk(9-22)

Harry Franz, 84, St. Peter, formerly of Luverne, died Saturday, Sept. 18, 2004, in St. Peter.Services were Tuesday, Sept. 21, at First Lutheran Church in St. Peter. The Revs. Alan Bray and Don Holmstrom officiated. Burial was in Ft. Snelling. Harry Franz was born to Peter F. and Helena Friesen Franz on Feb. 21, 1920, in rural Bingham Lake. He grew up on a nearby farm. He attended church in Delft and graduated from schools in Carson Township and Mountain Lake. He was a guard on the 1939 state champion Mountain Lake basketball team and continued playing basketball as an undergraduate ROTC student at South Dakota State University, Brookings, S.D. He also received his master’s degrees in education and guidance and counseling from SDSU. He served as a captain in the U.S. Army in Europe during World War II and stateside during the Korean War. After completing his college degree, he began teaching earth and life sciences and coaching basketball in Luverne. He married Emma Goehle July 16, 1950, at St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne. After many years of teaching and counseling, he retired to St. Peter in 1983, where he served as assistant basketball coach at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter for several years.Survivors include his wife, Emma Franz, St. Peter; two sons, James (Janet Schultz) Franz, Minnetrista, and Bradley (Lisa) Franz, La Junta, Colo.; one daughter, Debra (Dr. James) Lakin, Lakeville; seven grandchildren, Christian Loger, Anne Loger, Madeline Franz, Allyson Franz, Jordan Franz, Cecely Franz and Alyssa Franz; two brothers, Henry (Estelle) Franz, Bingham Lake, and Peter (Marion) Franz, Edina; one sister, Elizabeth (Arlie) Fast, Bingham Lake.Mr. Franz was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Helen, and her husband, Donald Roos.Memorials may be given to scholarships in Harry’s name through Dollars for Scholars at Luverne High School. St. Peter Funeral Home – Klein Chapel, St. Peter, was in charge of arrangements.

Shawn Paul Baartman, 24, Aberdeen, S.D., formerly of Luverne, died Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2004, in Aberdeen. Services were Friday, Sept. 17, at Worthington Baptist Temple in Worthington. The Rev. Jim Sickmeyer officiated. Shawn Baartman was born to Peter Baartman and Sara Lee Bakker on June 11, 1980. He lived in Luverne most of his life before moving to Aberdeen. He was enrolled in college to pursue a degree in psychology. Survivors include his mother, Sara Lee Bakker; one sister, Monica Solomon Derby, Sisseton, S.D.; grandmothers, Margaret Bakker, Hills; and Claretta Baartman, Pipestone; three nephews and one niece.

10 years ago (1994)"Quality Builders of Ellsworth is working steadily on the new maintenance building for the city of Hills. The building, which is located south of the football field, gained its rafters on Tuesday. Wulf Bros. began working on the road, which goes past the new building and then east to County Road 6."25 years ago (1979)"Paul Skattum left Wednesday for Winona to visit friends after a visit with his parents, the Asle Skattums. He had been attending summer school there. He will go on to Edgewood, Iowa, to spend a few days with his brother, Roger and family, and then go on to Cleveland, Ohio. At Cleveland he will be enrolled at the Community College where he will study to become a physician’s assistant. Paul returned home in May after serving overseas for two years in the Peace Corps." 50 years ago (1954)"A 1/c Elbers arrived Tuesday from Minneapolis where he had taken part in the World’s Softball Tournament. Haven’t heard how much furlough time he has. Another P.S.: He has a 30-day leave."75 years ago (1929)"Some of you fellows are letting your subscriptions run so far behind that they are getting rusty. Drop in, good folks, and polish ’em up a bit. We always try and meet all our bills, and hope you will do the same. The amount is so small that it does not seem much to you, but to us it is a great deal."100 years ago (1904)"There will be no danger of the school house catching fire from the furnace, so don’t be afraid to go to school when it is in use."

Visitors at the Ray Nelson home Friday noon were Ray’s cousin, Anne Kunnari, Brimson, and her daughter, Louise Anderson, Two Harbors. Anne grew up on the family farm one mile north and one-half mile east identified by the large stone and wood barn. The family moved to Willmar area prior to World War II. Mr. and Mrs. Lyman Johnson, Apple Valley, were Saturday afternoon callers. Several of the Nelson relations had been in attendance at the Norwegian Solarlag Convention in Sioux Falls, S.D.Many folks from the Hills community attended the 50th wedding anniversary open house of Don and Phyllis Schouwenburg Sunday at Blue Mound Banquet Center. Ray and Lois Nelson attended the Germanfest Saturday in Sioux Fall. S.D., and the Poplar Creek Estates open house Sunday afternoon in Luverne.Stacen and Donna Burger and children went to Omaha, Neb., Saturday to visit the Omaha Zoo. The occasion was to celebrate the birthday of Jed who turned six on Sept. 18. They returned home Sunday. Wendell and Kathryn Erickson motored to Spencer, Iowa, last Monday to take in the Clay County Fair. Joanne Goehle went to Tyler Thursday to take in her grandson, Andrew Carmany’s football game. Betty Elbers, along with her sisters, Henrietta Veldkamp, Luverne, Janette Bleyenberg, Edgerton, and Dorothy Petersen, Sioux Falls, attended the Clay County Fair at Spencer on Wednesday. Gladys Kvale Paulson fell and broke her arm. She is now a resident of a nursing home in Minneapolis. Cards may be sent to her in care of her daughter: Betsy Solomonson, 8726 VanBuren St. N.E., Blaine, MN 55434-2364. Gladys was a former resident of our community when she operated the Mid-Way Shop in Hills.Last Monday, Chuck and Rheta DeBoer motored to Spencer, where they were met by their son, Jeff, and Karen and children, Josiah, and Micah, of Garner, Iowa, to take in the Clay County Fair.Don and Edyth Briggs traveled to Gaylord Sunday where band members who were over 60 performed at an afternoon musical program.Ron and Lexia DeWit, Sioux Falls, were Tuesday evening visitors in the home of Cliff and Vi VanWyhe. Thursday, Don and Edyth DeBoer traveled to Spencer to attend the Clay County Fair. John Sandager returned to his home in Colorado Springs, Colo., Friday after spending a week with his mother, Fran Sandager, and others.