April is national Alcohol Awareness Month and the focus is on underage drinking. Alcohol is the drug most frequently used by high school seniors, and its use is increasing. Boys usually try alcohol for the first time at just 11 years old, while the average age for American girls’ first drink is 13. Underage drinking is a factor in nearly half of all teen automobile crashes and contributes to youth suicides, homicides and fatal injuries. Additionally, alcohol abuse is linked to as many as two-thirds of all sexual assault and date rapes of teens and college students and is a major factor in unprotected sex among youth, increasing their risk of contracting HIV or other transmitted diseases. While the issue of underage drinking is a complex problem, one that can only be solved through a sustained and cooperative effort between parents, schools, community leaders and the children themselves, there are three areas which have proven to be effective in prevention of underage drinking: curtailing the availability of alcohol, consistent enforcement of existing laws and regulations, and changing cultural misconceptions and behaviors through education. Let’s all wake up to this program and get started on the solution. We can’t afford to wait any longer. Wes Van EssenNew Life Treatment CenterWoodstock

Times are changing and it seems that people are also. A few years ago people received rebates. The more you paid in the more you got back. A lot of people said it was their money to start with and they deserved it. Those were the fat years. Now the lean years are upon us. Those that have good incomes can take care of themselves. Those that are less fortunate will be left a little further behind. Those people that fall between the cracks are the poor, disabled and handicapped. These people are the ones that have a difficult time to speak for themselves.In last week’s Star Herald we were given a very good example of this very thing happening concerning the Rock County DAC. The words vulnerable and poor were mentioned in that article. Should the people in our county and community stand up and fight? I would hope so. Let us not be the county that lets these people down. I am proud to be a part of this county as many of our business places can and do help these people with jobs. These people work hard and most with smiles on their faces. They, too, are proud of themselves and our community who helped them get the jobs they have. Let’s not let anyone take that away from them. Let your voices be heard both locally and in St. Paul. My Friend, who lived on this earth 2,000 years ago, spent a lot of time helping and caring for these special people. He is watching me and you to see if we are following his example. Andy SteensmaLuverne

I see by the paper that Rep. Doug Magnus is troubled that area members of the Democratic Farmer Labor bunch have accused him of violating allowable campaign practices. The DFL’ers pointed out that Mr. Magnus made a campaign mailing that did not identify the author of the mailed material. The charge has the potential for a $1,000 fine, and other penalties. The representative went on to say that he admits the error, and explains it was a single mailing and the matter was an oversight and pretty small potatoes as elections go. He brushes off the charges as simply political in nature. Magnus’ explanation deserves to be heard, and, while his accounting for the incident is believable his conclusion is everlastingly wrong. As the author of the mailing, Magnus is responsible for observance of the rules governing campaigning in Minnesota, and how is one mailing different from two, three or even four.The candidate’s clarifications are factual, and easily understood for that matter. What is missing appears to be a basic appreciation for the requirements of the democratic process. There is no recognition that politics is nothing more than government, and elections are a vital part of government. Mr. Magnus should be satisfied that the accusation is "political" in nature because it would be personal if it were not. The individuals who brought the charges have only acted on a matter based in law. Due to the serious nature of elections it is fair to say they performed as responsible and dedicated members of a loyal opposition. Election complainants have a place in the workings of government, and the complaints performed it properly in this instance. There is no need to wear a long face over this, Mr. Magnus. The complaint has received wide media coverage in the four counties comprising District 22. In each instance they have spelled your name right and reassured the public that the matter is minor in nature. No potential fine would cover this amount of publicity. Surely this isn’t Mr. Magnus’ first exposure to the two party system is it?Dennis LoosePipestone

Is a late acknowledgment of Luverne’s national music award acceptable? Congratulations to Dale and Patti Nelson, Beth Behal, Seana Graber, Mary Goheen, Beth Capistran and also to two local retired music educators, Dolly Talbert and Les Mahaffay. I wonder if we’re fully cognizant of what this unique honor really represents? To be so recognized nationally is fantastic! Our local school system truly does excel in various arenas and music is such a vital one. Our three children, who were in the choir-band program for years, have made use of their training, as have countless other LHS graduates. Long live the Luverne school music program!Johnnie and Rose (Tofteland) JohnsonLuverne

Emil SerckEmil Serck, 100, Inwood, Iowa, died Friday, April 18, 2003, at Canton-Inwood Hospital.Services were Tuesday, April 22, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Inwood. Burial was at Richland Cemetery, Inwood. Emil Matthew Serck was born to Nick and Lena (Riemers) Serck on April 28, 1902, in rural Sioux County, Iowa.He married Elvera Pedersen on June 19, 1935, at First Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, S.D. They farmed first in Sioux County and later, south of Inwood until retirement in 1967. They moved to Inwood in 1972. He moved to Fellowship Village at Inwood in December 2002. Survivors include his wife, Elvera Serck, Inwood; one son, Glenn (Hennie) Serck, Inwood; one daughter, Dolores (Fred) Elbert, Hills; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.Mr. Serck was preceded in death by three brothers, Henry, Herman and Albert Serck, and three sisters, Mary Hanzen, Clara Wiese and Amanda Schroeder. Porter Funeral Home, Inwood, was in charge of arrangements.

Duane SandbulteDuane Alan Sandbulte, 68, Steen, died Saturday, April 19, 2003, at Luverne Community Hospital in Luverne. Services were Tuesday, April 22, at Steen Reformed Church in Steen. The Rev. Dan Ramaker officiated. Burial was in Eastside Cemetery, Steen.Duane Sandbulte was born to William and Rebecca (Wesselink) Sandbulte on April 7, 1935, at Carmel, Iowa. He graduated from Sioux Center High School, Sioux Center, Iowa. He married Bernice Vonk at Rock Valley Reformed Church. They lived in Carmel from 1959 to 1965, Steen from 1965 to 1976, and moved to Hills in 1976. He worked with Sandbulte Brothers Construction Co., Sioux Falls; he was an independent insurance salesman for Minnesota Benefit and helped out as a bus driver for the Hills-Beaver Creek Schools. He also helped his son, Dale, with custom round baling. He served in the Army National Guard from 1957 to 1963 at Sheldon, Iowa. Mr. Sandbulte was a member of Steen Reformed Church in Steen where he taught catechism and Sunday School. He also served a term as Sunday School superintendent, was an usher and was involved in the M2 Program which ministers to inmates at South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls. He enjoyed farming, softball, bike riding, walking and swimming. Survivors include his wife, Bernice Sandbulte, Hills; five sons, Dale (Jodi) Sandbulte, Steen, Craig (Brenda) Sandbulte, George, Iowa, Myron (Lisa) Sandbulte, Brian (Tracie) Sandbulte, all of Hills, and Nathan (Mary) Sandbulte, Sioux Falls; two daughters, Julie (Jim) Harsma, Steen, and Denise Dudley, Hills; 16 grandchildren; three brothers, Howard (Bernice) Sandbulte, Sioux Center, Iowa, Glen Sandbulte, Winfield, Kan., and Rodney (Carol) Sandbulte, Rock Valley, Iowa; five sisters, Hermina (August) Ykema, Allendale, Mich., Angeline (Calvin) Korver, Alton, Iowa, Iola Statema, Zeeland, Mich., Ronda (Rich) Kooistra, Inwood, and Laura (Jim) Westra, Rock Valley; two brothers-in-law, John Draayer, Hawarden, Iowa, and Ed (Elaine) Kats, Rock Valley; one sister-in-law, Hermina Sandbulte, Edgerton; and many nieces and nephews. Mr. Sandbulte was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, John, Henry Bernard and Lloyd, and two sisters, Sharon Kats and Henrietta Draayer.Roste Funeral Home, Hills, was in charge of arrangements.

John RozeboomJohn R. Rozeboom, 76, Luverne, died Monday, April 14, 2003, at Hospice Cottage in Luverne. Services were Friday, April 18, at American Reformed Church in Luverne. The Rev. David Sikkema officiated. Burial with military honors was at Pleasant View Cemetery in Valley Springs, S.D.John Rozeboom was born to Bert and Hattie (Van Batavia) Rozeboom on Dec. 29, 1926, in Steen. He was raised near Beaver Creek and attended Springwater Township schools. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was stationed in the Philippine Islands.He married Jennie Van Loo on June 1, 1946. The couple first lived at Valley Springs, S.D., and later on a farm near Hills. Mrs. Rozeboom died Aug. 30, 1985.He married Gertrude Ackerman on Sept. 9, 1986. They moved to Rowena, S.D. He semi-retired but still helped out on the farm. Mrs. Rozeboom died Sept. 9, 1990.He moved to Luverne later that year. He married Cathy Van Hill April 25, 1992. Mr. Rozeboom was a member of American Reformed Church in Luverne and the American Legion Post in Valley Springs. He enjoyed birds and operated a full-time game farm. He liked to fish and was an accomplished woodworker. One of his favorite hobbies was spending time in his vegetable and flower gardens. Survivors include his wife, Cathy Rozeboom, Luverne; one son, Gary (Sheri) Rozeboom, Hills; stepsons; stepdaughters; stepgrandchildren; two brothers, Jim (Edith) Rozeboom, Luverne, and Harvey (Gert) Rozeboom, Hills; one sister, Bordette (Charles) Oelrich, Hull, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Rozeboom was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Jennie, his second wife, Gertrude, and a stepgranddaughter. Memorials are preferred to the Hospice Cottage in Luverne. Hospice of Luverne Community Hospital will plant a tree in memory of John Rozeboom.Engebretson Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.

Wilbert LeutholdWilbert J. "Bill" Leuthold, 85, Onaga, Kan, died Friday, April 18, in Onaga, Kan. He was the brother of Paul Leuthold, Hills.Services were Tuesday, April 22, at Mercer Funeral Home, Holton, Kan.Bill Leuthold was born on Nov. 16, 1917, in Oneida, Kan.He married Anna Carolyn Karns on Aug. 29, 1940, in Seneca, Kan.Survivors include his wife, Anna Karns, Onaga; two sons, Steven L. Leuthold, St. Louis, Mo., and Wilbert J. Leuthold Jr., Blackhawk, Kan.; three daughters, Dixie Carol Gibbs, Sequim, Wash., Mary Jane Eisenbarth, Geneva, Ill., and Sue Ann Thiemann, Manhattan, Kan.; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one brother, Paul Leuthold, Hills.

10 years ago (1993)"The congregation of Steen Reformed Church had much to celebrate on its 80th anniversary Sunday.The congregation officially broke ground for their new church. Construction is slated to begin later this month. The new structure should be completed in about nine months."25 years ago (1978)"A group of residents of the city of Beaver Creek presented the City Council with a petition signed by 92 residents of the city asking the proposed water tower question be brought to a vote of the people.At the public hearing on the proposed 150,000 gallon tower at the cost of $255,000, residents were informed the city council would make the final decision."50 years ago (1953)"Richard Sjolseth and Robert Moser went to Luverne Tuesday evening when on Wednesday they joined a group of young men who were being inducted into the Army. They expected to go to Omaha and then to Chicago."75 years ago (1928)"Just to let this generation know what is meant by a dirt or sod fence, the writer interviewed Lars Kolsrud Sr., one of our pioneer settlers, who did much of this work in the early days. It was well-neigh impossible to get posts in those days, except through long hauls, and then another thing, money didn’t happen to be very plentiful."Therefore, if a farmer wanted a fence he had to ‘manufacture’ it right on the farm, and this is how they went about it: They dug a ditch about five feet wide and about three feet deep, with the ditch slanting toward the bottom. "The dirt thrown from the ditch was piled on the opposite side, and Lars explained that one of the tedious parts of the job was to pile the sod against the dirt in such a way that the dirt would not wash back into the ditch. He explained that the only animals that could jump the fence were jackrabbits, and that these man-made enclosures, when properly built, lasted for many years."100 years ago (1903)"Mr. Follett of Rock Rapids was in town Thursday looking up the cement sidewalk situation. Mr. Follett was the first to enter the business of manufacturing cement walks in Rock Rapids and some of his work done eight years ago is said to be as good as new."