By John RittenhouseMonti Ossenfort is not a superstitious man, but he now believes there’s a lot to be said for being in the right place at the right time.In Ossenfort’s case, the right place for him to be was serving an internship with the Personnel Department for the National Football League’s New England Patriots last year.It was the Patriots who defeated the Carolina Panthers 32-29 in an exciting Super Bowl last February.And Ossenfort, who was at Houston’s Reliant Stadium when New England kicker Adam Vinitari kicked the winning field goal late in the game, became a part of the celebration that goes along with winning a world championship."It was a great game," Ossenfort said. "We (Monti, and some other members of the New England Personnel Department) were sitting 10 rows off the field, right in the same end zone the winning field goal was kicked. I guess you could say it was a great time and a great year to be a member of the Patriots."Although Ossenfort’s position with the club would be unnoticed by the most avid Patriot fans, he was not overlooked by the organization when it became time to pass out football’s most meaningful symbol of success.When he returned home to Luverne for a short vacation July 13-18, Ossenfort brought his Super Bowl ring with him.The way things turned out, Ossenfort’s stint with the Patriots (his third internship with three different NFL teams), was a short one.He got the job in June of 2003, and he left the organization to accept a Pro and College Scouting Assistant with the Houston Texans shortly after the annual NFL draft in April."Scott Pioli (New England’s General Manager), the NFL’s Executive of the Year, was my boss," Ossenfort said. "My job was to keep track of player movements throughout the league, making cut up tapes of the players in case we wanted to sign them. I also worked on breaking down tapes of college players, getting ready for the draft in April."The final decisions were made by Pioli and the coaching staff, but the work of Ossenfort played a role in New England selecting defensive tackle Vince Wilfork (University of Miami) and tight end Ben Watson (University of Georgia) with its two first round selections in the April draft.Shortly after the draft, Ossenfort ironically opted to take a new job with the Texans, an organization he worked as an intern for during the franchise’s inaugural season in 2002."Two days after the draft I got an offer to back to the Texans as a College Scout and a Pro and College Scouting Assistant," he said. "I basically will be scouting 25-30 schools from the states of Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. We’ll be responsible for scouting all senior football players from those schools who will be draft-eligible next April.""I’ll be in an office part of the time, helping coordinate some guys who are doing basically what I’ve been doing as an intern the past two years," he added.Ossenfort will be working for Charley Casserly, the only General Manager Houston has had in its two years of existence. Monti says he consults with Casserly, who won some Super Bowls as a GM for the Washington Redskins, on a daily basis."I started work (for the Texans) May 1. We’ve been setting up traveling schedules and looking at tapes of players who were college juniors last year," Ossenfort said."We’re scouting some good schools like Louisiana State University, Texas and Oaklahoma, who have a lot of good prospects. We’ll start traveling to the schools once their practices begin. We scout their practices and their games." With the exception of the couple weeks before training camp begins (Houston begins camp July 30), Ossenfort said a scout’s job runs from professional draft to the next professional draft. They study hundreds of players and compile countless numbers of videotapes. Their work includes attending the annual College Scouting Combine, with the coaching staff and GM, staged every February."We do a lot of interviewing at the Scouting Combine, which really is a site to see. Every NFL team and their GMs are at the Combine, where the top college prospects work out and are mentally tested."Ossenfort says his new job with the Texans requires more responsibility on his part, but he’s happy with his decision to return to Houston, a city he loves."It was a tough decision to make," he said. "Leaving a team in good shape like New England, which probably will contend for Super Bowl championships the next couple of years, was hard to do. But, I thought it was a good time to make a career decision. I liked the position that was available in Houston, and I decided to make a move."The Houston Texans, who will play their third NFL season in 2004, appears to be a franchise on the rise.After sporting a surprising 4-12 record in 2002, Houston took another step forward by going 5-11 last season."A lot of those 11 losses were less than one touchdown, so we could have had a better record than 5-11. Some of the so-called experts are saying we could contend for a playoff spot this season. Others are saying that if we push for a .500 record, it would be a positive step," he said.A date Ossenfort has circled on Houston’s 2004 schedule is Sunday, Oct. 10, when the Texans host the Minnesota Vikings for a noon game at Reliant Stadium.As one would expect, Minnesota is the team Ossenfort grew up rooting for. His bond with the club grew even stronger in 2001,when he received his first scouting internship with Vikings.Don’t expect Ossenfort to experience divided loyalties come Oct. 10."I’ll cheer for the Vikings 15 games this season, but not when they come to Houston to play us. That’s when the alliance will end," he concluded.

10 years ago (1994)"The Rock County Board voted unanimously to deny a request by landowners to mine gravel in Section 19 of Vienna Township just east of Blue Mounds State Park.Their decision Tuesday was prompted by a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Committee. At the committee’s June 11 meeting, members unanimously voted to deny Carlene Scott’s request to allow gravel extraction as a conditional use in the A-1 zone.The primary reason for denying the request, they said, was that the ordinance in the A-1 district specifically excludes gravel extraction as an allowable conditional use. A change in the ordinance in that A-1 district would have to apply to A-1 districts all over the county.25 years ago (1979)"County Commissioners have directed the law enforcement study committee to determine what, if anything, can be done to update existing buildings for continued use as law enforcement and court facilities.They also have asked the committee to determine what is required by the region and state with respect to law enforcement and crime prevention, and what the court system requires in the way of facilities."50 years ago (1954)"The Pix Theatre will be a thing of the past very soon as Herman Jochims announced that the Pix has been closed permanently. The trend that has prevailed in the movie industry the past few years which has found the number of movie houses being closed is going to prevail in Luverne.… Said Mr. Jochims, ‘Attendance has dropped, like it has in all other parts of the country. There was only one common sense decision we could make and that was close the Pix and concentrate our efforts on the Palace.’"75 years ago (1929)"A large number of our residents are getting in the habit of going to the Palace Theatre at Luverne, and all are loud in their praise of the Vitaphone, which is the best of its kind in these parts."100 years ago (1904)"Garretson is making an effort to secure a flour mill. A similar effort has been made here in the past, but there seems to be a question in the minds of some as to whether such an enterprise would pay out. Luverne has one of the best flour mills in the west and the Luverne flour is without an equal anywhere, yet any amount of flour is shipped into Luverne and put into direct competition with the local product, and the same is the case all over."

9:00 AMRock County Courthouse July 6, 2004Chair Jarchow called the meeting to order with all Commissioners present.Motion by Hoime, seconded by Bakken, to approve the July 6, 2004 County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Boyenga, to approve the June 22, 2004 County Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote.Motion by Boyenga, seconded by Hoime, to approve the following consent agenda items, declared carried on a voice vote.1. Contract 75-1684-04 with Tuff Village to provide Assisted Living Plus services to eligible clients. Contract effective 7-1-04 to 6-30-05.2. Contract 112-1644-04 with Avera-McKennan to provide inpatient mental health services to eligible clients. Contract effective 7-1-04 to 06-30-05.3. Foster care licensing (new) – Jim and Sherri Ladd4. Adult Foster Care license (new) – Client Community Services Inc (202 E. Veterans Drive, Luverne)5. Adult Foster Care (relicense) – Hiawatha Manor (501 E. Crawford)6. Resolution No. 24-04; operational agreement between Rock County and state for Y2005.Mark Sehr, Engineer, presented the following bids for (2) roll off containers:oSanitation Products, Inc. – Galbreath Model 2296 TR 19,532.10oWastequip/Rayfo – Trans 22 DH 20,500.00Motion by Hoime, seconded Boyenga, to award the low compliant bid to Sanitation Products, Inc. for $19,532.10, declared carried on a voice vote.The Engineer presented the following seal coat bids:oAstech Asphalt Surface Tech Corp $182,138.04oMoorseal Seal Coat $182,412.70oMorris Seal Coat $187,737.07oCaldwell Asphalt Co., Inc $290,784.54Motion by Bakken, seconded by Wildung, to award the project to the low compliant bidder, Astech Asphalt Surface Tech Corp for $182,138.04, declared carried on a voice vote.The Engineer presented the following bids for SAP 67-617-06, Bridge L2148 on CSAH 17 west of Beaver Creek:oDuininck Brothers, Inc. $228,228.00oRiver Ridge Construction, LLC $235,900.00oM & K Bridge Construction $281,350.00oStructural Specialties $307,761.20oMinnowa Construction $319,381.00Motion by Bakken, seconded by Boyenga, to award the project to the low compliant bidder, Duininck Brothers, Inc. for $228,228.00, declared carried on a voice vote.The Engineer presented an annual signage review and stated that some township road signs had been damaged and that they have been repaired.The County Board acknowledged a letter from Don Fiegen referencing Judicial Ditch No. 3. The Engineer and County Attorney were directed to draft a reply. Gawaine Diekevers of Martin Township presented information regarding a proposed bridge improvement near his property. The County Board directed the Engineer to continue work with Mr. Diekevers on the issue.Jill Wolf, Southwest Minnesota Housing Representative, presented Resolution No. 23-04, a resolution supporting a housing development project. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Jarchow, to approve Resolution No. 23-04, declared carried on a voice vote. Randy Ehlers, Family Services Director, presented a contract 115-18052-04 with Nobles/Rock Community Corrections to provide children’s mental health screening services to eligible children in the Child Welfare and Children’s Justice programs. Motion by Hoime, seconded by Bakken, to approve FSA contract 115-18052-04, declared carried on a voice vote. Mr. Ehlers presented an out-of-home placement report and budget update; no action was taken.Scott Johnson and Damon Eisma, representing the Southwestern Mental Health Center presented a request to increase their block grant funding for CY2005. The funding was reduced by 10% in 2004 and they are requesting an increase of 20% for 2005 to make up for the lost revenue in 2004 and to make adjustments for the future. The County Board took no action at this time and referred the issue back to the Budget Committee. Mike Winkels, Sheriff and Deputy Ken Baker presented a K9 Unit Field Trial Performance Notification report. The report reflected that Deputy Baker and K9 Tarzan placed second out of fifty-nine teams in a K9 regional trial. The County Board congratulated Deputy Baker on the recent achievement.Mr. Winkels informed the County Board that the E911 bids had been opened and forwarded to the consultant. The bids will be presented at the July 20th County Board meeting. Sheriff Winkels informed the County Board that Dispatcher Connie Wieneke submitted her letter of resignation with an effective date of July 29, 2004. The Sheriff requested to fill that full time position, and on a motion by Bakken, seconded by Boyenga, to fill the dispatch position back in accordance to union and Rock County Personnel policies, declared carried on a voice vote. Eric Hartman, Land Management Office Director, presented a Planning and Zoning activity report to include a gravel pit reclamation and temporary manure stockpiling standards. After review, the County Board referred the issue back to the Planning and Zoning Committee. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Hoime, to sign the recycling contract with Ketterling Sanitation Services, Inc., declared carried on a voice vote.Gloria Rolfs, Auditor/Treasurer, presented the claims with additions and the per diems of $35.00; motion by Bakken, seconded by Boyenga, to approve the claims and per diems as presented, declared carried on a unanimous vote. A complete listing of the claims is available by request at the Auditor/Treasurer’s office.General $ 27,514.34LEC .00Road & Bridge 34,646.62Welfare 67,063.04Landfill 1,162.72Rural Water 8,488.95TOTAL $138,875.67Motion by Wildung, seconded by Bakken, to accept the fund balance report, declared carried on a voice vote. The County Board was also in receipt of the 2003 Gravel Tax report; the County Board thanked the Auditor/Treasurer for that update. The Auditor/Treasurer presented a payment in lieu of taxes report which reflected that $23,200.00 was received in payment of lieu taxes to Rock County in 2004. These payments are for state or federally owned lands. There was a discussion regarding the Brandenburg properties and what taxes the properties will generate in the future. The Auditor/Treasurer will notify the County Board when that information becomes available. The County Board acknowledged receipt of the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) report; currently there are fifteen properties listed as TIF properties in the City of Luverne. The County Board took no action.The County Board viewed a presentation displaying county tax parcel information via the Web site. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Hoime, to accept with thanks the resignation and separation agreement of Connie Wieneke for her many years of service, declared carried on a voice vote. The County Board received information regarding Schoneman Park fish stocking conducted by Jim Jarchow. The County Board was in receipt of report from the Minnesota State Department of Veterans Affairs indicating activities and benefits received by veterans residing in Rock County. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Bakken, to regretfully accept with deep appreciation for commitment to the citizens of Rock County the resignation of the County Recorder Jere Ohme, declared carried on a voice vote. The County Board was in receipt of an Extension Committee meeting schedule; this was presented for informational purposes. The County Board reviewed a proposal from the City of Luverne regarding the Rock County Pool & Fitness Center; no action was taken. Commissioner Bakken informed the County Board that he had received comments from employees regarding health insurance and the discussions regarding health insurance; no action was taken. Commissioner Hoime stated that he had attended the EQB meetings and that they are proceeding as scheduled. Commissioner Jarchow informed the County Board that the RDC Annual meeting would be held on July 8th.The County Board recessed at 12:45PM. The County Board rose out of recess and authorized the signature of the assessing agreement with the City of Hardwick on a motion by Hoime, seconded by Boyenga, declared carried on a voice vote.Motion by Boyenga, seconded Bakken, to go into closed session at 1:23 PM for the purpose of discussing union negotiations, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Bakken, seconded by Boyenga, to rise from closed session at 2:25PM.With no further business to come before the board, the meeting was declared adjourned. Bob Jarchow, Chairman of the BoardATTEST:Kyle J. Oldre, Clerk to the Board(7-22)

Rock County Board of Equalization Meeting 9:00 AMRock County Courthouse Law Library June 14, 2004Vice Chair Hoime called the meeting to order with Commissioner Boyenga, Bakken and Wildung present and Commissioner Jarchow absent. Also present were County Administrator Kyle Oldre and County Assessor Tom Houselog. The Rock County Assessor’s office presented a review of the 2004 assessment. Following the review, motion by Boyenga, seconded by Wildung, to adopt the 2004 assessment report with thanks from the County Board for the information provided, declared carried on a voice vote.With no further business to come before the Rock County Board of Equalization, meeting was declared adjourned. Ken Hoime, Vice Chairman of the BoardATTEST:Kyle J. Oldre, Clerk to the Board(7-22)

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORSBridge No. 67J67 / SAP 67-599-131 (Mound Twp. / Old Bridge L-2287)Bridge No. 67J72 / SAP 67-599-132 (Beaver Creek Twp. / Old Bridge L-2341)Bridge No. 67J75 / SAP 67-599-135 (Beaver Creek Twp. / Old Bridge L-2332)Bridge No. 67J76 / SAP 67-599-138 (Martin Twp. / No Old Bridge Number)Sealed proposals will be received by the Rock County Highway Department at Luverne, Minnesota until 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, August 17, 2004.READ CAREFULLY THE PROVISIONS FOR THE WAGE RATES AS CONTAINED IN THE SPECIAL PROVISIONS, AS THEY WILL AFFECT THIS PROJECT.Attention is called to the fact that the contractor must comply with the Special Equal Employment Opportunity Provisions as contained in this Proposal. Proposals will be opened and read publicly in the presence of the Rock County Highway Engineer at the Rock County Highway Building located at 1120 North Blue Mound Avenue in Luverne, Minnesota immediately following the hour set for receiving bids for the following Rock County Highway work. Bids will be awarded on August 23, 2004 at the regular Board of Commissioners Meeting. Bridge 67J67 – SAP 67-599-131: The major quantities of work are: 1 Lump Sum Approach Grading; 260 Cu. Yds. of Rock Channel Escavation; 102 Lin. Ft. of 10’x7’ Precast Concrete Box Culvert; 6 – 10’x7’ Precast Concrete Box Culvert End Sections; 528 Cu. Yds. of Granular Backfill; 83 Cu. Yds. of Granular Bedding; and 39 Cu. Yds. of Random Riprap, Class II.Bridge 67J72 – SAP 67-599-132: The major quantities of work are: 1 Lump Sum Approach Grading; 68 Lin. Ft. of 10’x5’ Precast Concrete Box Culvert; 4 – 10’x5’ Precast Concrete Box Culvert End Sections; 374 Cu. Yds. of Granular Backfill; 59 Cu. Yds. of Granular Bedding; 44 Cu. Yds. of Rock Bedding; and 55 Cu. Yds. of Random Riprap, Class II.Bridge 67J75 – SAP 67-599-135: The major quantities of work are: 1 Lump Sum Approach Grading; 36 Lin. Ft. of 14’x8’ Precast Concrete Box Culvert; 2 – 14’x8’ Precast Concrete Box Culvert End Sections; 542 Cu. Yds. of Granular Backfill; 46 Cu. Yds. of Granular Bedding; 33 Cu. Yds. of Rock Bedding and 39 Cu. Yds. of Random Riprap, Class II. Bridge 67J76 – SAP 067-599-138: The major quantities of work are: 1 Lump Sum Approach Grading; 20 Cu. Yds. of Structural Conc.; 36 Lin. Ft. of 14’x6’ Precast Concrete Box Culvert; 2 – 14’x6’ Precast Concrete Box Culvert End Sections; 251 Cu. Yds. of Granular Backfill; 46 Cu. Yds. of Granular Bedding; 33 Cu. Yds. of Rock Bedding and 43 Cu. Yds. of Random Riprap, Class II. Plans, specifications and proposals may be examined and obtained at the office of the Rock County Highway Engineer, 1120 North Blue Mound Avenue, P.O. Box 808, Luverne, MN. 56156-0808.The non-refundable cost for Plans and one proposal (all Projects on one Proposal) will be $20.00. (Includes Sales Tax)Bids must be accompanied by a certified check or corporate surety bond drawn in favor of the Rock County Treasurer in the amount of at least five percent (5%) of the proposal. Sealed bids shall be clearly marked "PROJECT NO. SAP 67-599-131 ETC."The Board of Rock County Commissioners reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any defects therein.Rock County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.Mark R. Sehr, P.E.Rock County Highway Engineer (7-22, 7-29, 8-5)

NOTICE OF POSTPONED FORECLOSURE SALENOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a default has occurred in the conditions of the following described mortgage: DATE OF MORTGAGE: April 2, 2001ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $40,000.00MORTGAGOR: Thomas B. RagerMORTGAGEE: Minnwest Bank, Luverne, a Minnesota banking corporationDATE AND PLACE OF RECORDING: Filed for record on April 11, 2001 as Document No. 149645 with the Rock County Recorder’s OfficeLEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY:Lot 5 in Block 5 Westview Addition to the City of Luverne, Rock County, Minnesota.AMOUNT DUE AND CLAIMED TO BE DUE AS OF DATE OF NOTICE INCLUDING TAXES, IF ANY, PAID BY MORTAGEE: $38,452.51THAT prior to the commencing of this mortgage foreclosure proceeding Mortgagee complied with all notice requirements as required by statute;THAT no action or proceeding at law is now pending to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof;PURSUANT to the power of sale in the mortgage, the above described property will be sold by the Sheriff of Rock County as follows:DATE AND TIME OF SALE: Aug. 26, 2004 at 10:00 A. M.PLACE OF SALE: The west front steps of the Rock County Law Enforcement Center, located at 213 East Luverne Street, Luverne, Minnesota, to pay the debt secured by said Mortgage and taxes, if any, on said premises and the costs and disbursements, including attorney fees allowed by law subject to redemption within six (6) months from the date of said sale by the Mortgagors, their personal representatives or assigns.Dated: July 20, 2004 Minnwest Bank Luverne/s/ Jeffrey L. HaubrichBy: Jeffrey L. HaubrichAttorney in fact for MortgageeAttorneys for MortgageeSkewes, Klosterbuer and VajgrtP.O. Box 538Luverne, MN 56156-0538Telephone: 507-283-9111IMPORTANT NOTICEThis notice is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.(7-22, 7-29, 8-5, 8-12)

LCC to host second annual Britz OpenThe Luverne Country Club will host its second annual Britz Open Saturday, July 24.The 18 hole tournament is open to members and non-members alike.The first nine holes will be played in a scramble format, and the second nine will be alternate shot.The day will have two shotgun starts, the first at 8 a.m. and the second at 1 p.m.The tournament will be divided in several divisions, including Juniors 15 and Younger, Women’s Mixed, Men’s, Women’s Seniors and Men’s Seniors.If you feel ambitious, you can sign up with one partner for the 8 a.m. shotgun and find someone else to partner up with for the 1 p.m. start.The $20 entry fee includes lunch and prizes.Luverne native Jerilyn Britz, the tournament director, is the 1979 US Open Champion.Eden Prairie family finds ‘Billie the Kit’An Eden Prairie family has been reunited with its lost family cat, thanks to help from Luverne Veterans Home employees.While visiting friends in Luverne on their way back from the Black Hills, Steve and Joan Wilson, and their children Beth, Becky and Ben, lost their cat, Billie the Kit.The cat disappeared Monday, July 5, while the family visited Luverne friends.Over the next two weeks the couple put up posters and ran ads trying to locate their lost pet. Joan spent the last two weekends in Luverne looking for their cat.On Saturday night, almost two weeks later, Shirley Connor, the recreation director at the Minnesota Veterans Home heard a meowing in the bushes in her back yard.When she called her friend and co-worker, Nancy Lofthus, to tell her about the cat, Nancy had remembered seeing a poster describing a missing cat, with a $100 reward.Shirley called the Wilsons, only to discover that Joan was in Luverne at the time searching for the cat again.Steve called Joan on her cell phone and Kit was reunited with a very happy Joan a few minutes later. As for the $100 reward, neither Connor nor Lofthus felt comfortable accepting the reward, so they donated the $100 to the Veterans Home animal fund.Rock County Fair set for July 28-31Plenty of fun, familiar events along with some new ones will be a part of the 94th Annual Rock County Fair.Wednesday, July 28Along with the opening day registration and entries, the 4-H Foods/Gardening exhibits will be judged from 3 to 6 p.m.Thursday, July 29The Nobles/Rock Cattlemen’s Association will sponsor the annual Beef Feed at 5:30 p.m.The Rock County Talent Contest will be held in the grandstand at 7 p.m. This will be the third year for this very popular event. Prizes of $100, $75 and $50 will be awarded to the winners in each division.Friday, July 30As I told you a few weeks ago, the Rock County Land Management Office will again offer free water nitrate testing from 1 to 7 p.m.That same afternoon, Carol Zwaan and Country Grass will provide free entertainment for Senior Citizens Day at 2, 5 and 7 p.m.The Rock County Pork Producers will start their pork feed at 5 p.m. and the evening will end with a concert by Go Fish at 7 p.m. at the grandstand.Saturday, July 31Will include a Tractor Show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., a Threshing and Baling Demonstration from noon to 5 p.m. and a Bio Fuels Enduro Race beginning at 7 p.m.Midwest Rides will provide the midway for the three days. Advance tickets can be purchased at Glen’s Food Center, Luverne Area Chamber of Commerce, Hardwick Grocery, Exchange State Bank of Hills, Rauk’s Hilltop Stop, and the Luverne Pizza Ranch.Publisher Roger Tollefson can be reached by e-mail at tolly@star-herald.com

When you care enough to send the very best, send a card, not an e-mailI gotta hand it to Hallmark: In an age of on-line, dancing birthday cards, e-mail and text messaging, it appears their hard copy personal greeting cards are selling better than ever.While shopping at Grapevines in Luverne this week, I was amused by all the new titles of card categories to shop in.For example, cards for pets are big sellers, according to Grapevines manager Kim Von Tersch. "I chuckled when I saw them, but we sell out of them all the time," she told me.One can announce a new cat or dog in the family, expressing sympathy for "Loss of Companions" and send a thank-you specifically to the "Dog Sitter."We all know pets can’t read, but many of the cards are directed personally to the pets themselves. In the "Get Well" section, I found one that said, "Get Well Wishes for a Sweet Cat."Outside of pets, there are countless specific occasions we can send cards for. Among my favorites are "Going Back to School," "Congratulations on Your Driver’s License," "New Apartment," "Potty Trained Kids" and "Braces for Kids."Finally, Hallmark didn’t miss a chance to capitalize on the growing number of blended families. For example, a birthday card can be sent to someone who’s "like a son to me."Along those lines, there’s a whole line of cards under "Divorce." There’s "Congratulations on Your Divorce," or "Thinking of You as You Go Through Divorce," depending on your perspective.On one hand, the new greeting card ideas are pure marketing genious on Hallmark’s part. On the other hand, I love the idea of snail mail thriving in an era of "read and delete" in e-mail inboxes.Rock County Hall of Famer Quentin Aanenson lamented this trend during a recent visit to the Star Herald office.We were talking about the advantages of online communication as far as staying in touch with military personnel overseas.Aanenson, as many will remember, was a World War II fighter pilot who produced the world class documentary film, "A Fighter Pilot’s Story."He told me that he and his wife, Jackie, exchanged hundreds of letters during his stint in the war, and they still have those letters in their possession."There’s something more lasting about a hand-written letter on paper," he remarked."We can pick up those pages and read them and feel the emotions of what we were feeling at the time … it just comes right out of the paper."We talked about how it’s really not possible to preserve that flavor in an e-mail message, even if it is printed and saved.So carry on, Hallmark. May your sales ever flourish and may you never run out of new ideas for reasons to send cards.By the way, Kim tells me Hallmark is revamping all its niche card headers, so shop now under the current categories and be sure to stop at Grapevines in September when the new line is released.I can’t wait to see the new subtitles. Maybe we’ll see more specific titles in the Get Well section, like "Thinking of You During PMS Week," or "Sorry to Hear about Your Minor Infraction with the Law."I wonder if Hallmark could design a card for "Thinking of My Favorite Editor During This Difficult Political Season."

Deposit charges for beverage cans and bottles seemed like a good idea at first. Of course, the same might have been said about the Hindenburg, the Ford Edsel and New Coke. The plan in Iowa was to reduce unsightly roadside litter and make the state a little more like Kevin Costner’s idea of heaven in "Field of Dreams." Entire sections of people’s garages became bottle and can collection centers, where containers were dutifully drained, sorted and stored. Periodically the containers were carted off to local stores for their five-cent refunds. Loading up the car trunk with bottles and cans and driving to the store may seem like a lot of work for something like $2.10, but it’s a small price to pay to keep a state beautiful and attractive. Most of us probably know very little about the container deposit systems in the other states with names abbreviated on the tops of our soda cans — CA, MI, OR, NY, CT, MA, VT and ME. For all we know, their container refund systems may be perfect. But the beverage container deposit system in Iowa has become so outrageously complicated that a person in another state, such as Rhode Island or Idaho, should think twice before driving there and making a small fortune in deposit money. When the system was first put in place, bottle and can returnees were treated graciously and with open arms at liquor and grocery stores. The only rules were that the containers had to be clean, not crushed, and they couldn’t be transported in plastic bags. An honor system was in place and if the store employees knew you by name, they would simply smile and ask, "How many cans do you have today?" Because of apparent criminal tendencies in the population, store employees eventually had to count the bottles and cans as they emptied cardboard boxes and paper bags into other cardboard boxes and paper bags. It was all right, though, because it was the law and it was keeping the state beautiful. And then more local rules were added. Customers, now disdainfully treated like lowly pond scum, have to line up their own bottles and cans in cardboard flats for counting purposes and pray that they and their containers will appear refund-worthy. Some stores impose a limit of 50 returned containers for each trip. Implications are made by other businesses that returns should be accompanied by additional purchases. Iowa may be more scenic, but the container deposit plan is now pitting store employees against customers and shopping experiences seem much less pleasant. In only a matter of time, customers hoping to receive their bottle and can refunds will be required to conform to certain dress codes, speak obscure languages and undergo lie detector tests. "Tell us the truth, did you pay deposits on these cans, or did you find them in some roadside ditch? Are you trying to make a fast dime?" It’s time to decriminalize the act of returning bottles and cans for deposits. If it’s a state law, businesses should comply. If they don’t want the hassle of handling bottles and cans and returning deposit money which rightfully belongs to their customers, they should stop selling the beverages. Profit losses aside, it would be a simple answer.