Heartland Express offers freedom to ride, freedom from asking favorsThere won’t be cake and ice cream or even party balloons, but Sept. 26 is the 30th anniversary of public transportation in Rock County (see the story in this edition).For most of us with valid drivers’ licenses and good health, that doesn’t mean much. But for the people who use Rock County’s Heartland Express bus system regularly, it’s likely a day worth celebrating.For many riders, Heartland Express is synonymous with freedom and independence. They’re free to call the bus when they have an errand to run or someone to visit, and they’re not dependent on friends or family members to help them get around.Speaking as someone who hates to ask for favors, this means a lot.The regular riders rave about the friendly, helpful drivers and dispatchers.The one-time or occasional users, like myself, are impressed by the professionalism of the operation.When I took a short a vacation this summer, the boys spent time with their cousins in Pipestone before heading back to Luverne to be with Grandpa and Grandpa.Heartland Express saved my sister the 60-mile round trip from Pipestone to Luverne by transporting my boys from Jasper to Grandpa and Grandpa’s front door.It took some arranging to get the trip organized, but the Heartland staff was extremely patient and patient while I worked out the exact drop-off time and location with my sister.And my boys loved the experience. I really don’t want to know what family secrets they shared with the bus driver on that cross-county commute, but considering the price, it’s probably worth it.It cost a whopping $3 per child and made a big difference for my sister, who would have had to make the drive before her work day started. For me, the one who hates to ask for favors, the meager fare was more than worth the peace of mind.Happy Anniversary Heartland Express staff and drivers. Keep up the good work!Also this weekend … Band Fest and Crop WalkThe Heartland anniversary won’t be a big party, but the annual Tri-State Band Festival Saturday is always a big deal.The event, which attracts about 20 bands and nearly 10,000 people to Luverne, is definitely worth attending.It’s not often you get to hear that caliber of music and see that kind of skilled discipline from so many area young people.The parade starts at 10 a.m. on Main Street, and field competition starts at 1 p.m. at the Luverne High School athletic field.Rock County’s annual Crop Walk, which raises money for organizations that support local and world hunger relief, is on Sunday.Registration is from 1 to 2 p.m., and the walk begins at 2 p.m. at the Rock County Highway Department Building on North Blue Mound Avenue.It’s the eighth annual version of the the event, which supports a good cause and offers an excellent reason to get off the couch and put some miles on the sneakers.