Mid-July is proving to be one of the hottest on record as temperatures creep into the mid- to upper-90s every day. The shortage of rainfall is starting to show in the lawns and in some fields, and many farmers are looking to the sky for a little bit of help from on high. There is a little hope for rain on Wednesday morning so we’ll say a little prayer and hope for the best. I need to take a paragraph and inform the Steen readers of a population burst on July 12. At 6:37 p.m. last Wednesday Addiline Faith Dengler came into this world with a mighty scream. After Melody was in labor for 30 hours with very little change, the doctors decided to take little Addiline by C-section.Tuesday Melody went to the doctor for her weekly checkup and was immediately admitted due to high blood pressure. Sunday afternoon even amidst high blood pressure, mom, baby and dad returned to Steen and are very glad to be home.I want to personally thank my readers and the Steen community for their prayers, cards, gifts and meals during Melody’s bed rest and throughout the whole pregnancy. We are truly blessed!July 6-9 the John Bosch family of Steen traveled to Yankton, where they enjoyed a weekend of family fun and games. The weather was warm and just right for lots of boating activities. The Dick Van Herde family, Rich and Greta Vander Brink family and the John Bosch family enjoyed their time together and look forward to doing it again in the years to come.Wednesday Joyce and Jo Aykens traveled to Orange City where Jo was able to see her newest great-granddaughter, Kylie Shae, who was born on Monday, July 10, to Vince and Laurie Kurtz. They also visited with Paul and Carole and went out to eat to celebrate Andrea’s birthday.This past weekend the Bill Bosch family celebrated their family reunion right here in Steen. The activities kicked off on Saturday and continued on through Sunday. The reunion was held at the Steen City Hall where families from Virginia, Oregon, Nebraska and Minnesota gathered to reminisce about old times and catch up on the present.Friday evening many Steen residents gathered on Main Street for the Steen block party. Harvey Rozeboom of rural Steen prepared his famous hog roast and residents brought side dishes. Many stayed late into the evening talking and getting to know their neighbors better. Mel Van Batavia, the mayor of Steen, raved about its success and hopes that this will happen again soon.On Saturday the Steen RCYF traveled to Worthington where they spent the day enjoying the sun and going boating. Brad and Linda Bosch, along with Jerry Mulder of Steen, provided the boats for the afternoon’s fun activities.The Steen softball team continues to play on even though at times the heat is a little overbearing. They planned on playing last Tuesday but moved the game back to Thursday. They played Luverne and won in a huge blowout – 15-1. This Tuesday they play Doon in Steen and on Friday they play Lester. I’ll have scores for you next week. This coming week two Steen residents will tie the knot. Derek Sammons and Holly Timmer will be married on Saturday afternoon at the CRC church in Rock Rapids. We wish them the very best and a lifetime of happiness. They will make their home in Rod and Starla Scholten’s old house in Steen. That’s all for this week. If you have anything that you would like to have placed in the Steen News, contact Brian Dengler at 855-2232 or by e-mail.