It looks like our long dry spell has come to a halt. I can’t remember for sure but it seems like it was Wednesday when we had that loud crash of thunder followed by a heavy downpour of long hoped for rain. It was just what we need to wash things off from the long cold winter and soften up the ground so things will start growing. We can be thankful for that loud clap of thunder and the rain that followed as it seems that all of the moisture we have received lately are light showers which arrive most every day but they dry up very rapidly. We can be grateful for them as they kept things growing. Most of the crops are in and things are looking up for the farmers. And with the positive attitude of our farmers they are all ready figuring how many bushels of corn to the acre they will have. What a wonderful world this would be if we could all maintain their attitude of "Things will be better next year!" Pete and Trudy Teune attended the wedding of their grandson, John Wayne Teune and Tammi Nicole Swenson, at Green Bay, Wis., on Saturday, May 15. John is the son of Rick and Judy Teune. Dries and Laura May Bosch attended a commencement party in honor of Ashley Cox at the home of her parents, Allen and Cindy Cox, Adrian. Allen is the son of Laura May’s sister, Kay Cox of Adrian.Laura Paulsen, Hills, and Bernice Aukes attended a bridal shower Saturday afternoon in the home of Karen Sandager in honor of Erin Crawford (bride-to-be of Michael Brandt) on Oct. 2. Erin is the daughter of Mary and Clair Crawford. Congratulations to them!Graduation exercises will be at 7 p.m. Friday, May 28, for the seniors of Hills-Beaver Creek High School. Those graduating from the Steen area are Erin Boeve, Jeremy Elbers, Kristen Harsma, Dylan Klarenbeek, Lee Jackson, Melinda Sandstede, Drew Spykerboer and Trey Van Wyhe. Congratulations and best wishes to them. Sunday afternoon callers in the home of Henrietta Boeve were her daughter and husband, Pete and Judy Boeve, Sioux Falls.I can hardly believe it but the last day of the 2003-04 school year will be on Friday, May 28. Best wishes for a fun filled summer for both students and teachers. It will be fall before we know it.Memorial Day services will be at 9 a.m. Monday, May 31, at the American Legion Hall in Hills. Everyone is welcome. Vacation Bible School will be from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. beginning on Monday, June 7, through Friday, June 11. Note the changes in time. Students are asked to bring a sack lunch. Mildred Paulsen attended a workshop sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Health in collaboration with other programs in the Nobles County Courthouse on Monday. Topics included high blood pressure, causes and treatments of hypertension, and diabetes. Inspiration Hills Auxiliary will host a Memorial Day summer kick-off fund-raiser. Activities include games for kids, walks, rides, silent auction, evening meal and the Praise Band from Sioux Falls. Supper will be served from 4 to 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Memorial Day will soon be here. It is a very special day set aside for all of us to remember our loved ones who are no longer with us as well as those who have given their lives for our country and the freedoms we all enjoy. Memorial Day, the first day of our summer holidays, means we will turn to our favorite pursuits — picnicking, boating, mingling with the crowds at the racetrack, or the ballpark, puttering in the yard, or lazing in the sun. It began as Decoration Day when garlands were placed on the graves of the Civil War dead. It became Memorial Day and an occasion for America to honor those who gave their lives in all wars. It has continued with solemn ceremonies in cemeteries across the land with parades of school children proudly carrying American flags. On this day families decorate the graves of those whose memory they cherish.Yes, we need to relax and enjoy the holiday, but let us not forget to display the Stars and Stripes in our yards, to take that journey to the cemetery with our tokens of geraniums and wreaths.Let us remember who we are and where we are. Americans in a free land with the power of self-determination and pause to honor those who have preserved our heritage!

A pilot for Japan’s All Nippon Airways has been suspended from his dream job while he undergoes medical tests for possible sleep deprivation. Late last month, Reuters reported that the pilot "fell asleep at the controls for several minutes while on a domestic flight and had to be awakened by a government inspector who was traveling in the cockpit." Actually, the inspector had to wake the pilot twice, while the plane cruised at 36,000 feet on auto-pilot. A co-pilot was also present in the cockpit and could have taken over the controls, so the passengers were never in real danger, noted a spokesman for the airline. Small comfort. The following tell-tale signs might indicate, while you’re still at the airport, if your plane’s pilot, or some other plane’s pilot, is sleep-deprived and might fall asleep at the switch. For example, a smooth landing might not be in your future if you see a person, who appears to be a pilot, splashing cold water on his face at a drinking fountain next to your plane’s boarding area. You should be particularly cautious if you saw the same pilot only a few minutes before, asking for a triple-shot espresso at a nearby Starbucks. He may or may not have been joking about receiving the beverage intravenously. As you sit in the boarding area for your flight, you can’t help but notice that the stranger sitting next to you has fallen asleep with his head on your shoulder. As he snores with his mouth open and his hat slightly askew, your discomfort is compounded when you also notice he is wearing a pilot’s uniform. Another tell-tale sign? Your ticket may have been for Memphis, but as you leave the plane, the flight attendant smiles sweetly and says, "Welcome to Detroit!" Finally, you will know your plane’s pilot has some sort of sleep disorder when you hear disturbing announcements from the cockpit to the cabin after takeoff. "Good morning, er, good afternoon, this is your captain speaking. We have reached an (yawn) elevation of 30,000 feet and we should be landing in — er, your destination, whatever it is — in a couple of hours or so." "This is your captain. My co-pilot, what’s-his-name, has given the word (yawn) that we will be landing in Seattle in two hours and 18 minutes. That last airport must have been Minneapolis, right? Thanks to him (yawn) for that bit of information." "I know which intercom button to push! Do I have to beg? Where’s my coffee?" "It has been brought to my (yawn) attention that my previous announcements might have had a distressing effect on those of you traveling with us today. For that I apologize, but there’s a good reason. I was involved in a 36-hour dance marathon until eight this morning, and let me (yawn) assure you, the trophy was worth it." "This is your captain, again. Thanks for flying with us today. Stretch back in your seats, relax and (yawn) enjoy the bright, sunny view outside your windows. It’s the warm sun kind of day that can make you wish you could curl up with a good book and maybe catch a little shut-eye — now, where were we? Oh, yeah. We will be landing (yawn) at our destination, Dallas, in just a few minutes. Wait a sec — make that Seattle. You know what I mean. Where IS that coffee?"

Gertrude DeBoer, 74, Luverne, died Thursday, May 20, 2004, at Luverne Hospice Cottage in Luverne from cancer. Services were Monday, May 23, at Luverne Christian Reformed Church. The Rev. George Koopmans officiated. Burial was at Luverne Memorial Gardens Cemetery, rural Luverne. Gertrude Jansma was born to William and Alice (Van Dyk) Jansma on Jan. 26, 1930, in Timber Lake, S.D. As a young child, she moved with her parents to Hull, Iowa, then Artesia, Calif., and then to northwest Iowa where she was raised on the family farm and attended country school. Upon completion of her education, she worked for other area families. She married James DeBoer on Jan. 25, 1951, in Rock Rapids, Iowa. After their marriage, they lived in the tenant house on Jim’s family farm. Three years later, they moved to a farm in Ellis, S.D. The following year, they moved to Hull. They farmed there until 1973, when they bought a farm near Ash Creek. In 1985, she opened a day care in her home. She continued her day care after they moved to Luverne in March 1999. She closed her day care and retired in January 2001.Mrs. DeBoer was a member of Luverne Christian Reformed Church where she was a Sunday School teacher, a member of the Mary Martha Society and the Christian School Circle. She was also a member of Clintonaires Extension Club and the Day Care Association. She made several special trips, including trips to Holland, Switzerland, Alaska and Hawaii. Survivors include her husband, James DeBoer, Luverne; six children, Eugene (Ruth Ann) DeBoer, Hudsonville, Mich., LaVonne Schaefer, Brenda (Mike) Thuringer, all of Sioux Falls, S.D., Velda (Keith) Maine, Laura (Pat) Herman, and David (Lisa) DeBoer, all of Luverne; 22 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two brothers, Tunis (Wilmyna) Jansma, Hull, and William (Harriet) Jansma, Ellsworth, one sister, Jane (Peter) DeBoer, Steen; and one sister-in-law, Berniece Jansma Barstad, Luverne. Mrs. DeBoer was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Barteld Jansma, and a son-in-law, Rick Schaefer. A tree will be planted in memory of Gertrude DeBoer by Hospice of Luverne. Hartquist Funeral Home, Engebretson Chapel, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.

MINUTES OF THE HILLS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITYMAY 11, 2004Dana Dahlquist, President of the Hills EDA called the meeting to order at 7:45 P.M. Board present: Dana Dahlquist, Arlen Leenderts, Jim Jellema, Linus Svoboda, and Keith Elbers. Employees present: Joanne Goehle, EDA Treasurer, and Connie Wiertzema, EDA Secretary. Guests present: Carol Ver Meer-Owner of Southern Hills Condominium #504, and Jolene Farley-Hills Crescent.Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Jellema to approve of the minutes of March 22nd and April 28th. Motion carried. Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Jellema to approve payment of the March and April expenditures. Motion carried. Motion by Jellema, seconded by Svoboda to nominate the following persons to the offices of the Southern Hills Condominium Association: Dana Dahlquist-President and Chief Executive Officer, Carol Ver Meer-Vice President, Connie Wiertzema-Secretary, Joanne Goehle-Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, and Arlen Leenderts-Vice-All. Motion carried. The EDA Board and Carol Ver Meer agreed that sealed bids should be obtained for building and ground maintenance for Southern Hills Condominium. Bids will be limited to Hills residents, and opened at the June 8th meeting. The EDA discussed paying of the Southern Hills Apartment bond, which has a 7% interest rate. Funds to pay off the bond will be used from EDA CD#18275; borrow funds from sewer CD#18255 and general checking; along with funds received from Carol Ver Meer for the purchase of condo unit #504. Motion by Jellema, seconded by Svoboda to proceed with the pay off as discussed, and the EDA will pay off the inter-fund loans with proceeds from the sale of the remaining condo units. Motion carried.The EDA Board reviewed options for insuring the condo building, and approved a plan as follows: $300,000-building, $1,000,000-liability, $1,000-med pay with a $500 deductible per claim. The EDA also approved to insure the contents, cabinets and bathroom fixtures for units #500, #502, #506, units which are not sold, for $8,000 per unit, $250 deductible per claim. Carol Ver Meer is responsible for insuring her own contents for unit #504. No further business, meeting adjourned at approximately 8:30 P.M.Connie J. WiertzemaSecretary(5-27)

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE HILLS CITY COUNCILMAY 11, 2004Mayor Jim Jellema called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. with the following Council present: Jim Jellema, Linus Svoboda, Keith Elbers, Dana Dahlquist and Arlen Leenderts. Employees present: Connie Wiertzema, City Clerk; Joanne Goehle, City Treasurer and Wayne Ward, City Maintenance. Guests present: Tom Houselog-Rock County Assessor, Mark Hovland-Rock County Deputy Assessor, Derek Bundesen, Chuck Kuntze, and Jolene Farley-Hills Crescent. Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Elbers to approve of the minutes of April 13th. Motion carried.Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Elbers to approve payment of the April expenditures: General $5,210.04; Park $1,141.29; Fire $4,105.51; Street $3,385.43; Legion $1,001.91; Sewer $1,148.76; Garbage $2,568.21; Recycling $500.12; Water $4,717.31; Baseball $19.68. Motion carried. TREASURER’S REPORT:General Checking 102,495.04General Fund CD#18197, 2.5%, 12/4/04 237,314.41General Fund CD#17760, 2.5%, 3/15/05 20,735.68Sewer Fund CD#18255, 1.5%, 7/19/04 40,646.36Fire Truck Replacement Fund CD#18237, 1.5%, 1/11/05 23,228.20Hills EDA Security Deposit Account 1,912.82Hills EDA Checking 12,852.99Southern Hills Apts. Account 5,424.51Southern Hills CD#17759; 2.5%, 3/15/05 5,183.92EDA CD#17850, 2.5%, 5/7/05 27,963.43EDA CD#17268, 1.75%, 1/26/04 10,631.54EDA CD#18160, 1.5%, 10/17/04 20,000.00TOTAL $508,388.90Motion by Leenderts, seconded by Svoboda to approve of the Treasurer’s report. Motion carried.City maintenance was instructed to obtain the necessary licensing in order to spray for mosquitoes; repair all water shut-off valves; and repair the culvert north of Charlene Ver Meer’s property. The Council tabled a decision regarding the $135 increase toward the fire relief retirement fund, pending Martin Township’s decision. Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Elbers to grant Brad Berkhof a building permit for a garage. The regular meeting was recessed at 6:30 P.M. in order to open the Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting, with Tom Houselog, Rock County Assessor, and Mark Hovland, Deputy Assessor in attendance. Property tax adjustments were made to residential properties according to recent sales, homes ranging in value from $35,000 or less-no adjustments; $35,000 to $60,000-up 4%; $60,000 to $80,000-up 2%; and homes over $80,000-no increase. Since no guests appeared with inquiries, the Council proceeded with their regular meeting. The Council will obtain proposals to install electricity from the shelter house to the proposed basketball court, rather than from the softball field. The Council approved to have a 220 outlet installed at the city park shelter house. Council agreed to donate $150 toward promoting and commemorating the Hills Friendship Day celebration.A bill will be directed to a certain party for the purchase of water (approximately 2,000 gallons) for a swimming pool, filled by the Fire Department. The Council will instruct the Fire Department to refrain from filling swimming pools, equipment owned by the City and Martin Township taxpayers should not be used for water deliveries. The Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting was approved and adjourned at approximately 7:00 P.M.The Council approved to purchase two basketball goals at a cost of no more than $3,000 total. Derek Bundesen and Chuck Kuntze appeared at the meeting to discuss the water drainage in Park View Fourth Addition. Kuntze felt the existing culvert taking water from between the apartments and his property should be realigned. Bundesen requested that a culvert be installed between his property and Kuntze. The Council will schedule a meeting with their engineer to discuss their concerns. Bundesen also inquired whether the street work would be completed this summer. The Council felt that the ground should be given time to settle prior to installing blacktop, especially where sewer mains were installed. City maintenance will be instructed to obtain information from road contractors regarding this matter, and also for repairing the bump in Josephine Drive. The Council reviewed and confirmed that the 1996 special street assessment on United Enterprises’ property was assessed properly. Any changes to the property since that time, is the responsibility of United Enterprises. A complaint was made with regard to junk vehicles, and also for inoperable vehicles parked along the street. Jellema volunteered to talk to the owners of the properties. Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Elbers to adjourn at 7:45 P.M.Connie J. Wiertzema, City Clerk(5-27)

Hills-Beaver Creek Dist. 671Minutes5-10-04The Hills-Beaver Creek School Board met for its semimonthly meeting at 7:30 pm in the library in Hills. Board members present were Harnack, Larson, Leuthold, Boeve, DeBoer, Baker and Esselink. Superintendent Deragisch and Principal Holthaus were also in attendance.The meeting was called to order by Chairman Harnack. Chairman Harnack recognized as the visitors to the meeting. Jolene Farley of The Crescent, and staff member Wilma Bengtson.Patriot Pride: The high school art students Lee Jackson, Greg Van Batavia, Jessica Arp, Jessie Leenderts, Diedre VandenBussche, Aaron Aristeo, and Kelly Mulder The elementary music concert Mr. Deragisch completed his superintendent’s licenseElementary report was given by Mr. Holthaus.High School report was presented by Superintendent Deragisch. The minutes of the last meeting were approved as sent out.Motion by DeBoer, second by Baker, and carried to approve the bills.Motion by Boeve, second by Esselink, and carried to participate in the Minnesota State High School League. Motion by Esselink, second by Boeve and carried to table proposed cuts until the next meeting. Motion by Leuthold, second by Baker, and carried to change the June 28 meeting to June 24th at 7:30 pm.Motion by DeBoer, second by Larson, and carried to accept the VEBA Retirement Options for retiring teachers.Motion by Esselink, second by Leuthold, and carried to reduce education program and position.Motion by DeBoer, second by Esselink, and carried to place Jil Vaughn on .5 FTE unrequested leave.Legislative update was given by Esselink. Request by New Life Celebration Church was dropped. An insurance update was given by Superintendent Deragisch.Update on teacher vacancies.Dates to Remember: May 19 Awards Night May 19 8:30 Personnel committee meeting May 23 Baccalaureate at 2:00 pm May 24 School Board meeting May 28 Graduation at 7:00 pmMeeting adjourned at 8:45 pm.Ann Boeve, Clerk(5-27)

Member DeBoer introduced the following resolution and moved for its adoption:RESOLUTION PLACING JIL VAUGHN ON .5 FTE UNREQUESTED LEAVE OF ABSENCEWHEREAS, the School Board of Independent School District No. 671 adopted a resolution proposing placement of Jil Vaughn on .5 FTE unrequested leave of absence on May 10, 2004, on the grounds of discontinuation of cooperative agreement with Ellsworth, andWHEREAS, said written notice of the proposed placement on .5 FTE unrequested leave was received by Jil Vaughn by personal service on May 17, 2004, andWHEREAS, said written notice of the proposed placement on .5 FTE unrequested leave contained a statement setting forth the reasons for the proposed placement as well as a statement that she was entitled to a hearing before the school board provided she make a request in writing within fourteen days of receipt of said notice, and that if no hearing was requested within said fourteen day period it constituted acquiescence by Jil Vaughn to the school board’s proposed action, and WHEREAS, no written request of any kind was received by the school board or superintendent of school from Hills-Beaver Creek District 671 for a hearing as of June 5, 2004, andWHEREAS, said failure to make written request for a hearing within fourteen days after receipt of notice of proposed placement on .5 FTE unrequested leave constitutes acquiescence by Jil Vaughn, to her placement on .5 FTE unrequested leave. BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, by the School Board of Independent School District No. 671 that Jil Vaughn be and hereby is placed on .5 FTE unrequested leave of absence as a teacher effective at the end of the 2003 – 04 school year on June 30, 2004 pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Sec. 122A.40 11B, with prorated pay and fringe benefits.The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Member Esselink and upon vote being taken thereon,the following voted in favor thereof: Baker, Esselink, Larson, Leuthold, DeBoer, Harnack, Boeveand the following voted against: nonewhereup said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted. Member Esselink introduced the following resolution and moved for its adoption:RESOLUTION DISCONTINUING AND REDUCING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND POSITIONSWHEREAS, the School Board of Independent School District No. 671 adopted a resolution on May 10, 2004, directing the administration to make recommendations for reductions in programs and positions, andWHEREAS, said recommendations have been received and considered by the school board, BE IT RESOLVED, by the School Board of Independent School District No. 671, as follows: That the following programs and positions, or portions thereof, be discontinued:1. SpeechThe motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Member Leuthold, and upon vote being taken thereon, the followingvoted in favor thereof: Baker, Esselink, Larson, Leuthold, DeBoer, Harnack, Boeveand the following voted against: nonewhereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.(5-27)

Southern Hills Condominium bids set for June 8Association, are accepting sealed bids until 6:00 P.M., Tuesday, June 8, 2004 for:Maintenance Work for Outside Building and Groundsfor Southern Hills Condominium Duties include: snow removal from driveways & sidewalks, mow & bag grass and leaves as needed, fertilize lawn in spring & fall, thatch lawn in spring, remove tree limbs & trash from lawns, clean landscaping, trim bushes & trees, clean gutters, clean outside dryer & sewer vents. Bids must be securely sealed, and clearly marked on the outside of the envelope as follows: "Bid for Condo Maintenance", deliver to Hills City Office, 301 South Main, P.O. Box 172, Hills, MN 56138. Bidding limited to residents of Hills only.Bids will be opened publicly at the Hills City Office at approximately 7:00 P.M., Tuesday, June 8, 2004. The Southern Hills Condominium Association reserves the right to reject any and all bids, and to accept any bids deemed most advantageous to the Association. Connie Wiertzema, SecretarySouthern Hills Condominium Assoc(5-20, 5-27, 6-3)

By John RittenhouseThe Luverne softball team had a three-game winning streak snapped when it hosted Pipestone for a doubleheader Friday.Pipestone, the lone team with an unbeaten record in Southwest Conference play (10-0), proved during the twin bill it has a solid squad.The Arrows outscored the Cardinals 30-0 in two games that ended by the 10-run rule after five innings of play.Pipestone blanked the Cardinals without giving up a hit in Game 1.The Arrows scored 19 runs in the first three innings and added another counter in the top of the fifth to win 20-0.Sarah Wynia pitched in the opener for LHS. She walked four batters and recorded five strikeouts.Game 2 wasn’t much better for the Cardinals.Pipestone scored one run in the first and fifth innings, two in the second and three in the third and fourth frames on the way to a 10-0 win.Luverne did get two hits in the finale. Jessy Behr and Jessa Dahl stroked one single each.Stacy Lorenzen pitched the nightcap for the Cards. She walked nine batters and fanned four.Luverne slips to 5-12 overall and 3-7 in the conference with the losses. The Cardinals play a doubleheader in Worthington today before ending the regular season with a game against Murray County Central in Slayton Monday.