When it comes to churches, inflation has taken on a new meaning. According to Reuters news services, "The world’s first inflatable church opened its Gothic arches to worshipers to reveal a blow-up organ, a polyvinyl pulpit, an air-filled altar and fake stained glass windows." The balloon church was formally dedicated by the Church of England in May. Deflated, the $35,000, 47-foot-high structure can be carried from one churchless community to another on the back of a truck. It can be inflated in three hours and will seat about 60 church-goers at a time in polyvinyl chloride pews. We can only hope that inflatable churches will demonstrate definite advantages over traditional buildings, especially when it comes to affordable accessibility. For example, major church repairs, which usually cost thousands of dollars and are headaches for today’s tithers, should be reduced to simple purchases of plastic patches and waterproof glue. In the case of a repeat flood of biblical proportions, inflatable churches could double as ocean-going vessels and safe havens from the storms. Unlike Noah, modern day parishioners won’t have to spend long periods of time building arks according to exact specifications. That’s good news for most of us who wouldn’t recognize a cubit if we saw one. As their inflatable churches become cruise ships, church-goers may joke among themselves that they may not be able to walk on water, but they certainly are able to stay afloat. Of course, after 40 days and 40 nights of non-stop rain and very little else, the joke, repeated over and over again, may wear thin. During a flood of epic proportions, when church members have cast their churches, like bread, upon the waters, specially adapted hymns could include "I’ll Float Away" and "Shall We Gather on the River." The downside of having a floating church is that, when the flood waters subside, a church of one denomination could easily land up on the parking lot of another. Although the press release didn’t mention them, safety precautions might be advisable when inflatable churches become more popular. In parts of the world with unusually high winds, inflatable churches without secure anchoring systems might easily become airborne. That’s when congregations will again be singing the original lyrics to "I’ll Fly Away." Lighted candles in churches will become outdated traditions for weddings and other ceremonies, because plastic churches might easily melt. Based on similar fears, attaching pictures to walls with hammers and nails or any use of staplers and sharp scissors would also be banned. Frosted cakes, a mainstay at wedding receptions and church potluck suppers, will have to be sliced and served with plastic cutlery or else ripped apart into individual servings with bare hands. If inflatable churches catch on in our country, we might also see air-filled homes and businesses. Inflatable dome-like buildings, where baseball and football teams could play their games, will dot the countryside. The often-criticized Metrodome in Minneapolis may not be that terrible, after all. It was just ahead of its time.

10 years ago (1993)"As a last-ditch effort to get beans planted, farmers are launching seed from the air onto soil too soggy for tractor tires.For the first time in Rock County, helicopters are seeding beans in waterlogged fields where conventional farming equipment can’t reach."25 years ago (1978)"Thursday is a history-making day for live theatre in Rock County. The premier production of the Green Earth Players is set to run through Saturday.‘Ten Nights in a Barroom’ will be presented at 8 p.m. at the Luverne High School Little Theatre. Tickets are available at the door. The Green Earth Players is an area community theater organization designed to utilize local talent in all aspects of production."50 years ago (1953)"Juvenile drivers who have been using Luverne streets for reckless driving antics are going to be stopped short.Instead of friendly warnings, they will bump up against the loss of their right to drive any vehicle for at least 30 days. Such penalties will be the result if it is found that the juvenile driver is guilty of traffic offenses."75 years ago (1928)"Bids for the refinishing of the Courthouse and the rearrangement of county office rooms are to be considered at the next meeting of the County Board. Changes to be made include a change in the superintendent of school’s office to a room on the second floor of the court house, at present occupied by the county engineer, who in turn will be relocated in the southwest corner room of the basement, now utilized as a part of the janitor’s residence."100 years ago (1903)"Shipments of stock were made from the Luverne stockyards Saturday evening as had been announced in the Herald of last week. Twenty-one cars of hogs and cattle were sent out to Chicago, the special train leaving here at 8:30 o’clock. The cattle were in excellent condition and should bring good prices."

Something is terribly wrong with our society. This great universal truth came to me while I mowed the lawn this past weekend. Usually the loving husband mows because is a strong and powerful male. I am the picture of delicate femininity who cannot handle anything with a spark plug. The loving husband was gone over the weekend so lawn mowing fell into my fragile hands. Society requires that grass levels be kept at a minimum. We spend a great deal of energy (and money) on fertilizing, watering, and weed elimination to encourage the grass to grow. Then we spend an equal amount of energy and money cutting it down. Why is crab grass so bad? Its green, isn’t it? And I like dandelions. They’re attractive little punctuations of yellow amidst a boring sea of green. Human beings are always interfering with the natural flow of the universe. Another thing … In the old days a person just mowed the lawn and that was that. Now you must have a pattern in your mowing ... diagonals, spiraled circles, whatever. I tried to make a "B" for Bremer in the yard and it turned out nice. Unfortunately, the grass inside the "B" was still long and the actual "B" grass was short. So I had to mow inside the "B" which totally eliminated the "B". After that I just went with the diagonals. I get sidetracked when I mow, looking at the flowers and shrubs and the birds as I follow behind the mower. This leads to the disturbing "jagged diagonal." I could see people driving by and saying to themselves, "Oh-oh! It looks like the loving husband is gone and Glenda had to mow this weekend." Next time, I’ll do it right before dark so the lawn has time to recover by daylight. It might be a good idea to hire a lawn care person, thus freeing up your time for the most important activity of summer ... reading. … Here is a perfect summer book for lounging in the lawn chair: "The Reluctant Suitor," by Kathleen Woodiwiss. Lady Adriana Sutton has adored Colton Wyndham, to whom she has been promised since childhood. As a young girl, she was wounded by Colton's stubborn refusal to comply with his father's wishes. He was too proud and too stubborn to accept a future not of his own choosing. Rather than submit, he fled from his ancestral home for a life of adventure and danger as an officer in the British Army. The years have been kind to Lady Adriana. No longer the plain, thin tomboy Colton had spurned, she has blossomed into an uncommon beauty desired by nearly every eligible bachelor in the land. Yet the only man she desires is the decorated hero who has finally come home to claim his rightful title. Arrogant as ever, he remains averse to the idea of their betrothal in spite of his growing desire for her. To demonstrate his belief that love cannot be forced, Colton agrees to court Lady Adriana for 90 days, after which time he will be allowed to keep his precious freedom if he wishes. Forced into a courtship with this stunning, spirited woman, the heroic heart that was once closed to Adriana is moved by her charm and grace, and begins to yield. But a secret from Colton's past may doom their burgeoning love ... even as the treacherous schemes of a sinister rival threaten to steal the remarkable lady from his arms forever.

When it comes to churches, inflation has taken on a new meaning. According to Reuters news services, "The world’s first inflatable church opened its Gothic arches to worshipers to reveal a blow-up organ, a polyvinyl pulpit, an air-filled altar and fake stained glass windows." The balloon church was formally dedicated by the Church of England in May. Deflated, the $35,000, 47-foot-high structure can be carried from one churchless community to another on the back of a truck. It can be inflated in three hours and will seat about 60 church-goers at a time in polyvinyl chloride pews. We can only hope that inflatable churches will demonstrate definite advantages over traditional buildings, especially when it comes to affordable accessibility. For example, major church repairs, which usually cost thousands of dollars and are headaches for today’s tithers, should be reduced to simple purchases of plastic patches and waterproof glue. In the case of a repeat flood of biblical proportions, inflatable churches could double as ocean-going vessels and safe havens from the storms. Unlike Noah, modern day parishioners won’t have to spend long periods of time building arks according to exact specifications. That’s good news for most of us who wouldn’t recognize a cubit if we saw one. As their inflatable churches become cruise ships, church-goers may joke among themselves that they may not be able to walk on water, but they certainly are able to stay afloat. Of course, after 40 days and 40 nights of non-stop rain and very little else, the joke, repeated over and over again, may wear thin. During a flood of epic proportions, when church members have cast their churches, like bread, upon the waters, specially adapted hymns could include "I’ll Float Away" and "Shall We Gather on the River." The downside of having a floating church is that, when the flood waters subside, a church of one denomination could easily land up on the parking lot of another. Although the press release didn’t mention them, safety precautions might be advisable when inflatable churches become more popular. In parts of the world with unusually high winds, inflatable churches without secure anchoring systems might easily become airborne. That’s when congregations will again be singing the original lyrics to "I’ll Fly Away." Lighted candles in churches will become outdated traditions for weddings and other ceremonies, because plastic churches might easily melt. Based on similar fears, attaching pictures to walls with hammers and nails or any use of staplers and sharp scissors would also be banned. Frosted cakes, a mainstay at wedding receptions and church potluck suppers, will have to be sliced and served with plastic cutlery or else ripped apart into individual servings with bare hands. If inflatable churches catch on in our country, we might also see air-filled homes and businesses. Inflatable dome-like buildings, where baseball and football teams could play their games, will dot the countryside. The often-criticized Metrodome in Minneapolis may not be that terrible, after all. It was just ahead of its time.

By Lori EhdeRock County’s third Relay for Life will be June 20 and 21, this year, in the Luverne City Park. There are 26 teams and roughly 400 walkers lined up for the event, which is the American Cancer Society’s premier fund-raiser for cancer research and programs to support cancer patients.Many of the team members find themselves walking in memory of those who died from cancer, or in honor of cancer survivors.Their stories are compelling.For example, Bonnie Johannsen participated in Rock County’s first Relay for Life as a cancer survivor on "Bonnie’s Buddies" team. Last year, she was receiving treatments and couldn’t participate with the team.This year, Johannsen’s friends and family on Bonnie's Buddies team will walk without her, in her memory.Adrian’s Tara Bullerman lost her battle with cancer at the age of 9. Her favorite color was purple and she liked angels. One of the last things she did was to use her hands and feet to make angels out of handprints and footprints for her family members.A print of these angels will be on the purple T-shirts worn by her team, "Tara’s Purple Angels."Main Street Financial has organized a team in honor of employee, Edna Brands, whose husband, Ed Brands, has cancer. Their story is compelling for the sheer dollar amount they’ve raised.By enlisting support from the investment companies they work with, they’ve raised $2,500 for the American Cancer Society. Representatives from Bell Capital will fly in from Atlanta, Ga., to participate in the Relay for Life event.Luminaries — small, paper bags with candles inside them — line the walk path at Relay for Life. The luminaries, decorated with names of cancer victims and cancer survivors, are lit at dusk in a special ceremony."This is a very moving ceremony," said Relay For Life Chairman, Vicki Baartman. "It reminds us why we’re here — to fight cancer, which touches so many lives."The public can purchase luminaries from any team member or from Vivian Holst at Minnegasco or Gerry Sandstede at Luverne City Hall.The local teams organized in March and so far have raised $19,000 for the cause.The first two years of Relay for Life saw $44,000 and $49,000 in funds raised. This year, Baartman said she hopes to see that much come in, but planners have lowered the goal amount."Realistically, with the economy the way it is, if corporate giving is down … or people might choose which charitable organizations to give to," Baartman said. "We thought it’s better to be conservative."While the bulk of the team fund-raising goes on before the Relay, the event itself offers plenty of opportunities for the public to participate and support the cause.Fund-raisers are planned throughout the evening on site, including concession stands, hair styling booths, massage treatments and more.The event starts 5:30 p.m. Friday, June 20, in the park with a dinner provided by Glen’s Food Center. The meal will be served until 6:30, and opening ceremonies begin at 7 p.m. with the Survivor’s Lap.Entertainment and special events are planned throughout the evening and through the night.A sunrise service and closing ceremonies will be at 6:30 a.m. followed by a breakfast provided by Tony’s Catering.See the June 19 Star Herald for more details. Baartman can be reached at 283-4119 to answer questions.

By Sara StrongRock County is preparing to host informational public hearings on its intention to change the County Recorder’s position from elected to appointed.County Recorder Jere Ohme said he is in favor of the position change for a few reasons. He said the job has changed to require so much technological knowledge, that allowing anyone to run for office could mean that efficiency and service would be lost.For example, as of 8 a.m. Tuesday morning the county was completely up to date on its records. Nobles County and Pipestone County are six weeks behind.Those objecting to the change from elected to appointed have said that the public is losing control over government with each official they don’t get to elect.To that, Ohme said, "The thing about it is, this office is governed by state statute. We make no political decisions whatsoever."Also, when people are voted out of office, or retire from elected positions, they often don’t train their replacements. Ohme said that would mean continued good service in the office wouldn’t be assured in the future.Ohme said he hasn’t directly heard opposition to the change to appointed.Times changeThe longest standing County Recorder in the state of Minnesota is almost ready to stop registering, filing and preserving Rock County information.Ohme is technically eligible for retirement, but will probably finish the current term. Even if the county gets the position changed to appointed from elected, Ohme would stay through retirement as written into the law.Ohme has been the County Recorder since 1975, when Agnes Wiese retired. She had worked at the job since 1939.When Ohme started in Rock County, he was the first to use a ball point pen for the records — Wiese preferred a quill dipped in ink.Compare that to now, when the office is run by three computer systems. To get the job, Ohme had to campaign hard, but he hasn’t had an opponent since his first election.In the 1974 campaign, Ohme was a sure loser, some said. Five others ran for recorder, including a banker and others with strong local histories. Ohme was fairly new in town, a Slayton native, and at the time taught elementary gym."I just really worked hard," Ohme said. "I went to every home in the county except in the very north, because I ran out of time."What exactly makes up the job duties of recorder can seem vague, so Ohme explained the position Tuesday.oRecorders direct the recording of all deeds, mortgages and other legal documents involved in the registration of land to meet statutory requirements. oRecorders review deeds and other documents for accuracy and completeness.oRecorders supervise and review the work of subordinate personnel in the Recorder’s Office. In Rock County’s case, that is Joyce De Groot.oRecorders advise the public on procedures for recording deeds and mortgages and related documents.oRecorders assist the public and legal professionals in searches for recorded information about specific property and titles. Ohme said that especially during the summer, genealogy research is popular in the vault of records.oRecorders ascertain that all papers are kept in order in accordance with the order in which they have been entered and that they are rechecked and numbered according to the Torrens system.oThe recorder assists the auditor/treasurer, assessor, attorney and engineer in determining ownerships, areas and residues for tax and other purposes.The job involves very detailed work that is unforgiving. There is no room for error because errors adversely affect chains of title.Ohme’s explanation of the recorder job continues, "The operation of the entire county government system depends upon the recorder’s records. Taxation of real estate is crucial to financing governmental operations. The ownership of real estate is responsible for taxes assessed. Thus, it naturally follows that the land records of the recorder must accurately reflect the current status of each tract of land within the county. The assessor bases his work upon the information given him by the recorder’s records. In turn, the treasurer collects the taxes assessed. "The recorders office is not more important than the others. However, other offices are dependent upon the accuracy of the recorder’s records. Thus, there is a great responsibility on the part of the recorder to assure accuracy in all the operations of the office."Recorders (formally known as register of deeds) are also registrars. Registrars of Titles operate under the Torrens, or registered land, system.The Registrar is an arm of the District Court, and examines documents presented, determines whether they meet legal requirements for transfer and issues Certificates of Title.

By Lori EhdeAngela Van Holland, DVM, joins the long-standing list of veterinarians at Rock Veterinary Clinic.Originally from rural Trent, S.D., Van Holland completed her undergraduate studies at South Dakota State University, Brookings, and earned her doctorate of veterinary medicine May 10 from Iowa State University, Ames."I’m excited to be in the community, meeting people and becoming involved in animal health care — in both large and small animal medicine," Van Holland said.She said she was attracted to the Luverne clinic for a number of reasons. "I’m interested in mixed animal medicine, and it’s relatively close to home," she said.She lives in Garretson with her husband, Travis Van Holland, who works with Ted Berghorst of Ted’s Equipment Installation, Beaver Creek.Like most veterinarians, Van Holland said she got into animal science because she enjoys animals, but she had other inspirations as well."Our local vet (the late Jim Swenson, Jasper) sparked my interest," she said "He was always very kind and willing to explain things."Rock Veterinary Clinic has had a contract with the Sioux Falls Livestock Auction since last summer, so Dr. Gordon Hamann said the clinic needed to hire."It takes one vet full-time over there now, so we just need more help," he said.Van Holland joins Hamann, Dr. John Bowron, Dr. David Iverson, and Dr. Kay Burkhart at Rock Veterinary Clinic, located south of Luverne on Highway 75.Hamann and Bowron have been with the practice for 36 and 32 years, respectively. Iverson and Burkhart both came on board in 1979.Van Holland said it’s a bit intimidating to work among so many seasoned veterinarians, but Hamann said it’s nice to have "new blood" in the practice."She’s just got a great personality and attitude," he said. "We are looking forward to the months and years ahead with her in our practice."

By Sara StrongThere’s a possible new development in the works for home construction east of the city of Luverne. Ed Elbers, through All States Realty, applied for the rezoning of agricultural land to residential.The County Board of Commissioners Tuesday approved the rezoning after a recommendation from the County Planning and Zoning Board, which hosted a public hearing.Commissioner Richard Bakken cast the only vote against the rezoning.The city of Luverne still has to approve it, because of the development’s proximity to town.The preliminary plat shows the lots available would be along the east side of County Road 9 (landfill road), north of County Road 4 (Main Street). The homes would be north of the few homes that are currently in that area.Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Board Paul Doherty said he isn’t in favor of the rezoning.He objected in a number of ways. Doherty said the impact of all the septic systems should be closely examined. He also said that people who want open spaces and an acreage to live on have many opportunities in the county without taking away current ag land."Agriculture is too big of an industry for the county to restrict it in this way," Doherty said.Although the county may be able to do without the lost farm land, Doherty said the overall impact is still felt. For instance, Doherty fears that the "neighborhood" will get lots of political power. He said farmers or livestock producers may want to locate nearby or change their operations in the future, and homeowners could band together and halt the permitting process, as happened with a gravel pit in the recent past.The development will be called Valley View because of its picturesque setting overlooking the Rock River valley. The plat has 15 sites suitable for construction in size of .65 acres to 1.97 acres.The subdivision sites will have individual septic treatment systems and rural water connections.Most recently, the land had been used for alfalfa, but had also grown soybeans and corn.There are no prices set for the lots yet, and if the zoning goes through, the next step is getting roads inside the area for home access.

Mindy Kemper (right), Lismore, is starting as the new Hardwick Postmaster, replacing the retiring Nancy Patton, Hardwick. Kemper has worked for the U.S. Postal Service for eight years between Luverne and Worthington. She is married to Chris Kemper and has two children, Collin and Alexia.Patton plans to stay in Hardwick and enjoy more time with her husband, Don, and time for riding their four motorcycles and traveling in their motor home. In her 33 years as a postal worker in Hardwick, Patton did much more than the job description called for. She helped people wrap packages at Christmas and wrote out checks for elderly customers to sign. "I sure hope they keep the small post offices open," she said. "It does become a gathering place for people." Don even made a wooden bench for people to sit on in the office. "The people here are so nice, and some of them needed to rest a little when they came in."