How lucky can we get, and how long will our luck hold out! It is almost hard to believe such a severe storm could hit Luverne and the Steen area only received heavy rain. We lucked out, one more time. Tuesday afternoon a severe weather warning was issued for this entire area and the clouds looked very threatening. Strong winds, up to 100 miles per hour, were forecast with heavy rain and hail. Luverne caught the full brunt of the storm while all we received was heavy rain. It rained so hard it almost looked like snow. The wind blew but not hard enough to uproot trees or break branches off. In fact, everything remained intact. I don’t know how much rain we received but it was not an excessive amount as there was no water standing, even in the low places. The moisture was most welcome and our feelings did not get hurt being left out of the severe storm. The Keunen family had their family reunion at the Pizza Ranch in Rock Rapids Friday night. Those attending were Willard and Jo Keunen, Alton, Iowa, Cornie and Alvina Keunen, Paul and Carole Aykens, all from Orange City, Iowa, Beth Sakurai, Megumi Sakurai, both of Yokohama, Japan, Bill and Bertha Bosch, Mildred Keunen, Don Bonnema, Judy Bonnema, Jo Aykens, all of Steen, and Joyce Aykens, Worthington. Verlyn Huenink, Leavenworth Kan., came Sunday to spend a few days visiting his mother, Henrietta Huenink. Drew Spykerboer spent Monday night in Sioux Valley Hospital at Sioux Falls, after fracturing his arm in an accident on Monday. Wilda Pfeiffer, who spent the week visiting in the home of her sister, Melba Boeve, left for her home in Coffeen, Ill., on Tuesday. The weather did not cooperate with her plans as she had a two-hour delay before leaving and another delay before reaching her home, which she did safely. However, her luggage did not!Sunday afternoon visitors in the Orrin and Bernice Aukes home were members of her family, Christy and Terry Aukes and family, Larchwood, Iowa, Orlie Aukes and his son, Dan, Hills, Mary Crawford, Beaver Creek, and Lisa Telford and daughter, Taylor, Sioux Falls. The Steen softball team played Hills Town Friday night but were defeated. The last game of the season was Tuesday, Aug. 1, with Steen playing Beaver Creek there. The season may be over but don’t forget, we still have the Steen Labor Day Tournament to look forward to. Special music in Steen Reformed Church Sunday morning was a solo by Megumi Sakurai, accompanied by her sister-in-law, Beth Sakurai. They are visiting relatives here. I am not sure how often we are lucky enough to have a Friday the 13th. It seems to have a very bad reputation so we approach it rather cautiously. However, there are a few very good things that have happened on Friday the 13th so I thought I would share them with you as we will have Friday the 13th on Friday. Hopefully, it will give you some courage to face the day.Among the most common of superstitions is that Friday the 13th is a day on which hard luck is apt to befall. It is not certain just what started this, but a number of things in ancient beliefs have designated Friday as an unlucky day and for centuries the No. 13 has been considered an unfortunate number. It is no wonder that the combination of these two, Friday and the 13th, have become an omnibus day. To substantiate this belief, the following tragedies are sighted as examples of Friday the 13th bad luck. Friday, the 13th, April 1906, a devastating earthquake struck Taiwan. Friday, the 13th, September 1907, the steamship Lusitania began its ill-fated voyage. Friday, the 13th, April 1923, a huge tidal wave hit the coast of Korea.On the other hand, many good things have occurred on that fateful date. The first telephone line for business purposes was operated on Friday, the 13th, April 1877. Electric lighting was first tried in London on Friday, the 13th, October 1878.The first American unit pushed its way into Aachenn, Germany, on Friday, the 13th, October 1944. So you see, many good things can happen on that fateful date also. Be brave and look for the best regardless!

Mildred (Rogness) Suhl, 93, Dassel, formerly of Hills, died Wednesday, July 28, 2004, in Dassel. Services were Wednesday, Aug. 4, at Christ Memorial Lutheran Church in Plymouth. A private burial was at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis.Mildred Rogness was born to Anders and Helena Rogness on Nov. 8, 1910, in Hills. She was a teacher, principal and a school superintendent in southwestern Minnesota. Survivors include three daughters, Maxine (Jim) Lorence, Kathy Rogers, and Janet (Ray) Slater; eight grandchildren, Jim Lorence, Deb Cooper, Alison Lorence, Greg Brown, Tim and Melissa Rogers, and Stephen and Andrew Slater; five great-grandchildren; one sister, Irene Ransdell, California; one sister-in-law, Evelyn Rogness, Hills; and one brother-in-law, Dale Jorgenson, Jasper. Mrs. Suhl was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Harvey Suhl, one son, Jeffrey Suhl, one daughter, Ellie Brown, two brothers, Howard and Alfred, and four sisters Blanche, Ethel, Doris and Hazel. Memorials may be directed to Christ Memorial Lutheran or Lakeview Ranch in Dassel. Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Madge Sandstede, 93, Chisago City, formerly of Beaver Creek, died Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2004, at Parmly Senior Care Center in Chisago City. Services were Saturday, Aug. 7, at First Presbyterian Church of Beaver Creek with the Rev. Robert Raedeke officiating. Burial was in Beaver Creek Cemetery.Madge Fischer was born to Charles and Laura (Rathjen) Fischer on Dec. 1, 1910, at the family farm home in Hickory Grove Township, Scott County, Iowa. She attended a rural school for eight years. She graduated from George Edward Marshall High School, Davenport, Iowa, in 1927. She graduated from Brown’s Business College in 1928 and worked in Davenport as a secretary and bookkeeper. She married Lawrence Sandstede on Dec. 30, 1939. The Rev. Alfred Nickless of the First Presbyterian Church of Davenport officiated. They lived in Beaver Creek for two and one-half years. They then moved to the Sandstede family farm in Springwater Township where they lived for 35 years. They retired and moved to Beaver Creek in 1977. Mr. Sandstede died Dec. 20, 1985. She moved to Luverne in August 1986. In June 1990, she moved to rural Taylors Falls to live with her daughter and son-in-law, Jan and Ron Harnack.Mrs. Sandstede was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Beaver Creek where she served as an elder. She was active in Presbyterian Women, serving as president and treasurer for many years. She was also a 4-H club and project leader and was a member of Beaver Creek Senior Citizens where she served as secretary.Survivors include four children, Harold Sandstede, Hickman, Neb., Jacqueline (Roger) Eads, Elgin, Ill., Janet (Ronald) Harnack, Taylors Falls, and Stephen (Faye) Sandstede, Luverne; seven grandchildren, Kristin (Eric) Capron, Heather Sandstede, Nathan Eads, Amber Eads, Jared Harnack, Chandra (Kurt) Walker and Christine (Craig) Lauritzen; seven great-grandchildren, Natalie and Garrett Capron, Jessica and Allison Harnack, Jadin Wendland and Megan and Allison Lauritzen; and one brother, Allan (Dorothy) Fischer, Davenport. Mrs. Sandstede was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Lawrence. The family requests memorials be directed to UPW of Beaver Creek Presbyterian Church of the Beaver Creek Cemetery Association. Roste Funeral Home, Hills, was in charge of arrangements.

Noma Elaine Buss, 65, Steen, died Monday, Aug. 9, 2004, at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D.Services were Thursday, Aug. 12, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills. The Rev. Lowell Berg officiated. Noma Hicks was born to Benjamin and Alma (Nelson) Hicks on Dec. 16, 1938, in Rowena, S.D. She was raised and received her education in the Rowena area. She married Paul Buss on Nov. 9, 1955. After their marriage, they lived in Rowena. They later moved to Ash Creek. Mrs. Buss enjoyed writing letters, taking pictures, playing Farkel and cards. She also loved her collections of dolls and bunny memorabilia. Survivors include her husband, Paul Buss; six children, Howard (Nancy) Buss, Hardwick, Debb (Bill) Tiesler, Ellsworth, Vernon (Cheryl) Buss, Valley Springs, S.D., Ralph Buss, Ash Creek, Sharon (Randy) Schomacker, Luverne, and Tim (Wendy) Buss, Hills; 10 grandchildren; seven stepgrandchildren; one great-granddaughter; two stepgreat-grandchildren; one brother, Victor Hicks, Sioux Falls; three sisters, Frances (Kenny) Lutz, Sioux Falls, Helen Mansker, Longview, Wash., Beverly (Alvin) Dykstra, Flandreau, S.D.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Mrs. Buss was preceded in death by her parents, an infant daughter, Nancy, and one brother. Hartquist Funeral Home – Engebretson Chapel, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.

Ione Bush, 77, Hills, died Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2004, at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D.Services were Saturday, Aug. 7, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills. The Rev. Lowell Berg officiated. Burial was in Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery. Ione Kraetsch was born to Charles and Ricka Kraetsch on May 13, 1927, at Clear Lake, S.D. She graduated from Luverne High School in 1945. As a teenager, she worked at the theatre as an usher and also at Creeger’s.She married Berdell Bush on Oct. 6, 1948, in Luverne. Along with raising their family and being a homemaker, she had several jobs. She was a cook and activity director at Tuff Memorial Home in Hills, Rock County Family Services coordinator of aging for 16 years and was instrumental in establishing Rock County Heartland Express. She also wrote a column for the Hills Crescent. For the past four years, she has been on kidney dialysis three times a week. She was admitted to Sioux Valley Hospital on July 25.Mrs. Bush was a longtime member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills. She was the first woman in Bethlehem Lutheran Church to hold the office of president of the congregation. She was active playing bingo, sewing, cooking, and following her family and grandchildren’s school and church activities. Survivors include her husband, Berdell "Bud" Bush; 11 children, James Bush, Minneapolis, Barbara (Florian) Bullerman, Adrian, Camilla (Rodney) Verhey, Thomas (Sandy) Bush, Annette (Keith) Elbers, all of Hills, Mary (Harvey) Metzger, Larchwood, Iowa, Maureen (Gary) Helgeson, Beaver Creek, Bradley (Jill) Bush, Winsted, Connie (Robert L.) Butcher, Holstein, Iowa, Coleen (Kevin) Martens, Steen, and Melinda (Kent) Liesinger, Hartford, S.D., 26 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Lola Jensen, Hills.Mrs. Bush was preceded in death by her parents, five sisters, one brother and one son-in-law. Roste Funeral Home, Hills, was in charge of arrangements.

10 years ago (1994)"Gerald and Albert Haak have sold Hills Locker Service to Tedd and Dianne Larson. The sale became effective on Monday. Hills Locker Service has been in the Haak family for the past 42 years."25 years ago (1979)"Chad Sundem, a 3rd grader at Hills-Beaver Creek Elementary, has been recognized as a ‘top Mystery Sleuth’ for his efforts in the 1979 Multiple Sclerosis READ-a-thon.By reading 10 books and raising $100, Chad placed in the top 1 percent of the 33,000 students who participated in this year’s program.Chad was awarded tickets to Valleyfair for raising the most money in his school for multiple sclerosis."50 years ago (1954)"At an F.F.A. meeting Monday night, Aug. 9, the following boys were elected as local F.F.A. officers for the coming 1954-55 school year: president, Vermayne Sundem; vice president, Dennis Van Goor; secretary, Robert Wissink; treasurer; Duane Schellhouse; reporter, Jack Anderson; sentinel, Gerald Rierson. 75 years ago (1929)"Vernon Kvale and Werner Stegemann of Beaver Creek, and Morten Kolsrud of Hills, won out in the competition for the General Livestock Judging team in Rock County and will represent the county at the Minnesota State Fair in September. Judging of the beef cattle was done on the J.F. Searles farm near Beaver Creek; hogs on the Juhl Bros. farm; sheep on the Sidney Boden farm; while the judging of horses was conducted on the August Hamann farm.Other members competing for the team were Albert Christensen, Chas. Detloff, Gladys Kvale, Einer Thorin, Harold Ruud, and James and Chester Dunn."100 years ago (1904)"Contractor Hellie will finish all outside carpenter work on the schoolhouse this week. Mr. Jelle of Garretson will also round up the plastering in a week or 10 days, which will leave only the inside carpenter work and painting. With no mishaps Mr. Hellie will have the new structure completed by the 27th as required by contract."

10 years ago (1994)"The Luverne School Board accepted the resignation of former Magnolia Superintendent Jan Nuffer Thursday. She will be taking a position as elementary principal in Hurley, S.D., beginning Aug. 22. Nuffer served as superintendent at Magnolia for 12 years. Her tenure ended this year when District 669 combined with Luverne to create District 2184."25 years ago (1979)"Gas prices have now exceeded the $1 per gallon mark at some stations in Rock County. In a survey made by the Star Herald this week, the highest posted price for full-service premium unleaded is $1.06 per gallon."50 years ago (1954)"Questions on school consolidation and other matters will be discussed at a meeting of 11 rural districts in Rock and Pipestone counties next Wednesday evening in the Jasper schoolhouse.The voters will be asked to okay the consolidation with Joint Independent School District 54-67 (Jasper)."75 years ago (1929)"Judge C.T. Howard, of Pipestone, denied the motion of Carl Ahrendt, of Hardwick, that he be permitted to reopen the Green Lantern. … The Green Lantern has been closed since the raid in the first part of April under a voluntary agreement by Ahrendt." 100 years ago (1904)"F. Ohlen, who resides in Section 28 in Springwater Township, where he owns a fine half-section farm, demonstrated his implicit faith in Rock County land as the best investment that can be made by purchasing two hundred forty acres of Rock County realty last Friday. The property purchased was the southeast quarter of section 14 in Springwater."

In the 1960s and ‘70s we lived in the "Age of Aquarius." In the ‘90s everyone was buying a computer and we entered "The Computer Age." Last week I noticed that a new era was dawning, "The Age of the Chainsaw." Wednesday night after the storm, the loving husband and I were loading storm debris into the back of the pickup to haul to the tree dump. As we were slaving away I heard an unusual sound and said, "Honey, do you hear cows mooing?" He replied, "It’s the chainsaws." The following night I heard another louder unusual noise, and inquired, "Are they having another Enduro race at the fairgrounds?" He replied, "It’s the chainsaws." I never fully realized how many people own these massive power tools. I believe last week’s storm put the pressure on secret chainsaw-owners to finally come out of the closet and reveal themselves among us. As you may know, in days gone by, a woman could identify the most macho and vigorous males by their chainsaws. Now, even the loving husband has one. In the new millennium, chainsaws aren’t just for men anymore. I observed a woman in her mid-60s wielding one of these beefy power-units the day after the storm. I’m so happy that women have advanced to the intellectual level of their male counterparts. If your chainsaw is in need of some tender loving care after this past week of extensive use, stop by the library and we can order a chainsaw maintenance manual on interlibrary loan. If you are not a chainsaw owner, come in and check out the new book by Patricia McDonald, "The Girl Next Door." The affluent town of Hoffman, N.J. reeled in disbelief when highly esteemed physician Duncan Avery killed his wife, Marsha, one spring evening. The two Avery sons turned their backs on their father but his daughter Nina never stopped believing in his innocence. Now, 15 years later, Nina, a struggling actress in New York City, returns to Hoffman when her father is paroled and insists on re-settling there. Not only does Dr. Avery want to repair his relationships with his sons and meet his grandchildren, he claims he wants to find out who killed his wife. But neither Nina's brother Patrick, a successful investment banker with a wife and twin sons, nor Jimmy, a recovering drug addict who has adopted a new family, can bear to acknowledge their father's return. Then, as suddenly as before, another act of violence overturns the Averys' lives. No longer certain if she can trust her family, her neighbors, or her old friends, Nina finds she can rely only on herself and a surprising new ally in her life as she searches for the truth behind crimes past and present. If she digs deep down into the secrets of her family and her neighbors, she stands a chance of catching a killer before she becomes his next victim. Also new on the fiction shelf is, "Lost City," by Clive Cussler. Paul Schumann, a German American living in New York City in 1936, is a mobster hit man known equally for his brilliant tactics and for taking only "righteous" assignments. But when Paul gets caught, the arresting officer offers him a stark choice: prison or covert government service. Paul is asked to pose as a journalist covering the summer Olympics taking place in Berlin. He's to hunt down and kill Reinhardt Ernst — the ruthless architect of Hitler's clandestine rearmament. If successful, Paul will be pardoned and given the financial means to go legit; if he refuses the job, his fate will be Sing Sing and the electric chair. Paul travels to Germany, takes a room in a boarding house near the Tiergarten — the huge park in central Berlin and begins his hunt. The next 48 hours are a feverish cat-and-mouse chase, as Paul stalks Ernst through Berlin while a dogged Berlin police officer and the entire Third Reich apparatus search frantically for the American.

Most people have a storm story from last week. Mine is that I was sick Tuesday and wanted nothing more than to go home … but I couldn’t get there because of the storm. When the storm passed, I couldn’t quite get to my house because of trees blocking streets, so I had to walk a block. Finally reaching my home wasn’t a comfort because I was greeted by my hackberry tree — a striking visual (and monetary) casualty of the thunderstorm.Soon after I got home, I rested while neighbors started hauling and raking their debris to the curb. I caught up the next day, but missed all the chatter on the block just after the excitement. After the hubbub of the storm, I caught up on all kinds of stories floating around town. One person’s visiting mother-in-law parked her car on the street, only to find a tree limb on it after the storm. A couple on their honeymoon also learned that their vehicle broke the fall of a tree. Another man was worried about the squirrel family he enjoyed watching in a tree he lost to the storm. He fed the squirrel babies cookies and peanuts after the momma squirrel died, and hoped they would be OK.One man had to shell out about $6,000 for private tree removal.Crews working to remove damaged trees sometimes found notes tacked to them saying, "Please don’t take our tree. Try to save it."A positive note about the storm is that workers said people of Luverne were more than kind to them.One contractor said, "There were a lot of ‘thank you’s and people running out to help us do boulevard raking. People were just exceptionally friendly and nice." And they were generous, too. Many workers said they were offered ice cream, homemade cookies, lemonade, soda and donuts as they made their way through neighborhoods.Contractors didn’t fight for jobs. Volunteering city and county people worked side by side as if they’d always been co-workers.I suppose it was a bad storm, but it ended up bringing out lots of good stories.