By Jolene Farley
After a cool spring, crops have rebounded and are on track for this year, according to area farmers. The corn will be, as the saying goes, knee high by the Fourth of July.

"Most people I talk to are pretty happy with the way the crops are out there," said Rock County Extension Educator Fraser Norton.

Worries earlier this spring about how crops would fare in the cooler-than-normal spring have been alleviated.

The heat and growing degree days (a measure of heat units) improved three weeks ago and currently measure 678, almost 200 units ahead of normal, according to Norton.

"Crops were in the ground (this spring) but they weren't germinating because it was too cool," said Norton.

When stuck in the pre-germination stage crops are much more susceptible to pests and disease. Only a few Rock County farmers were forced to replant their crops.

"The corn is going to be knee high by the fourth of July," said Steen farmer Terry Sandstede. "It's going to be waist high by the fourth."

In the days before farming became more scientific, farmers thought if the corn was knee high by the Fourth of July it meant a good corn crop for the year.

Sandstede, who farms 200 acres of soybeans and 200 acres of corn, estimates crops will be average this year.

Even though the Steen area received one-half inch of rain last week Sandstede hopes for more. "It would be nice to have some rain," he said. "With this heat it really dries out."

Luverne farmer Steve Top agrees with Sandstede. "They (crops) look good....The wind has to stay down so we get some spraying done, but a good rain is what we need," he said. "One to two inches of rain would be just perfect going into the Fourth of July week."

By Jolene Farley
The Hills-Beaver Creek School Board approved an unbalanced preliminary budget during its regular meeting Monday.

The 2002-03 budget lists $2,942,127 in revenues and $3,003,512 in expenses for the district.

Superintendent Dave Deragisch emphasized there are other funding sources he will pursue to balance the budget before the start of the school year.

In addition, he estimated high in the general expense category so the district would have additional monies on hand for locker room additions if needed.

"I'd rather err on the side of being cautious," he said. "I've not factored in any of the open-enrolled students. Students are the biggest factor in generating aid."

Deragisch said if the student count changes before the start of school this fall, he'll need to sit down and refigure the budget.

Based on a 303 student count, district revenue projections are $1,906,942 in general aid, $438,000 in levy dollars, $155,000 in special education dollars, $39,166 in Title I, $14,170 in Title II, $2,063 in Title VI, $10,000 in grants and $40,000 in miscellaneous receipts.

Food service is projected to receive $103,000 in state and federal funding.

Community Service, which includes Driver's Education, Community Education, ECFE, and Learning Readiness, is budgeted $70,187 from fees, the levy, state aid and various sources.

Debt service is budgeted $161,099 in levy revenue. The district will also receive $2,500 state aid to offset the cost of open-enrolled students in other districts.

The cost to educate a pupil at H-BC is around $6,500, less than the state average, according to Deragisch.

The expense budget includes $2,384,350 in general expenses, the bulk of which is teacher salaries and benefits, according to Deragisch.

A transportation budget of $145,806 includes all costs associated with busing students.

A capital expense of $157,010 is debt service on the elementary school.

Food service is budgeted $113,365 for next year and community service will receive $56,715.

Deragisch said some state and federal funding is based on the number of reduced lunch families in the district. The board thinks there are many in the district that would qualify but haven't filled out the form.

"All the money that is generated is more than just food service," he said.

In other board business:
A staff development committee formed a district-wide goal to integrate kindergarten through 12th- grade curriculum, according to board member Ann Boeve. Separate goals were also formed for the elementary school and the high school.

"I think it is really exciting," said Boeve. "It will really benefit the teachers which will benefit the students."

Teachers and staff will meet to determine the best ways to reach the new goals.

The board approved a one-year contract with the Connecticut-based company, Leader Services. Many Minnesota schools use Leader Services to locate state and federal grants available for medical services.

"They (Leader Services) are paid 10 percent of what they collect," said Deragisch. "The more they generate for our school, the more they make."

The next school board meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. Monday, July 15.

A crew from Pride Signs, Sioux Falls, replaces the Texaco signs with Shell signs at Orv's Station in Hills Tuesday. The canopy over the pumps was replaced Friday. Bonnie Sundem said she's still getting used to the idea of the new name, "Orv's Shell," and the new sign, since Shell Oil purchased Texaco.

Farmer Steve Top stands in his cornfield southwest of Luverne Tuesday. This field is already more than knee high on Top's 6-foot, 6-inch frame, and the Fourth of July is still a week away. Story inside.

Purple balloons with trailing ribbons were little messages to God

Tears welled up in my eyes and a lump formed in my throat Friday when I watched nearly 100 purple balloons float toward the heavens.

The balloons were released by cancer survivors who walked the first lap of Luverne’s Relay for Life. Survivors were defined as anyone who’s ever had cancer - whether they've been in remission for 10 years or if their diagnosis is only 10 days ago. The fact that they're alive qualified them for the honor.

The survivor lap concluded on the west end of the track, and with the sun low on the horizon and a gentle breeze from the northeast, the balloons with silver ribbons trailing slowly drifted over the city of Luverne. Seven hundred sets of hands applauded until the tiny purple dots disappeared into the clear blue sky.

"Touching" was the word that came to mind. "Touching" and "appropriate."

The balloons appeared to be little messages headed to God Himself. Some might have been sincerest thanks for a second chance at life - a chance to see their children grow or a chance to attend a senior prom someday.

Others, released by those without hair and too weak to walk on their own, might have been a heart felt plea for that same chance.

Cancer, for whatever reason, has become such a common local occurrence that a new local diagnoses is received with about as much reaction as news of a broken arm or removed tonsils.
Cancer research has provided helpful clues to early diagnosis, and modern medicine has made it possible to halt the progression of many cancers. As a result, we often forget what survivors have had to endure to earn their honored spot on the track.

Relay for Life is an overnight event to signify the terrible journey nearly all cancer patients must take. The following is reprinted from Relay for Life material the Star Herald received this summer:

"Clear your mind and picture
"It’s daylight. Life is wonderful. You're healthy, happy and looking forward to the future. You’re looking forward to your child’s dance recital or taking your child to Disney World for vacation. You’re looking forward to the new house you just bought. You have a new dream job that you're thrilled about.

"But then, darkness falls.

"You hear those words, 'You've got cancer.' Or, worse, your child has cancer. Your life has suddenly become very dark. You don’t know what the outcome will be. You feel there is no hope in sight. You're exhausted from caring for your child and from the agony knowing there’s nothing you can do to make him healthy again. You couldn't possibly feel any worse.

"Until -

"The sun starts to rise. The tumor is shrinking. Your treatments are working. You’re getting your appetite back. Your child feels well enough to go out and play for just a few minutes. There is hope.

"It is now daylight and you're in remission. You have your life back. You've made it through the night and the darkness. You celebrate life in the daylight knowing that the darkness of nighttime is behind you.

"This is why we Relay.

"This is why Relay is an overnight event."

Not having any idea what those cancer survivors had been through, I cried Friday night for them and their families touched by the horrible disease.

At the same time they might have been tears of pride and joy at witnessing such overwhelming local support for the cause. Congratulations and thank you to all those responsible for Rock County's Relay for Life.

Could a Luverne car be coming back home?
For many years, people have talked about how nice it would be to get an original Luverne Automobile back in town.

That option is now being explored.

According to Dave Smith, Executive Director of the Luverne Area Chamber of Commerce, a 1915 Luverne Special Speed Roadster has been located in Wisconsin.

The car was built for the Indianapolis 500, but the engine turned out to be too big to qualify, so the car wasn't allowed to race.

Smith said Dick Herman has seen the car, and although it need lots of restoration, the engine, frame and other important aspect of the vehicle are still in good shape.

The skin of the car was made of aluminum sheet metal, and that would have to be replaced.

Smith said he'd like to get a group of people together who are interested in raising the funds it would take to bring the car back to Luverne and restore it.

The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 11, at the Luverne Pizza Ranch.

For more information, call Smith at 283-4061

Chamber sets date for 40th annual Hot Dog Night
The 40th annual Hot Dog Night in Luverne has been set for Thursday, July 11.

The event, which started as a customer appreciation night, will provide more than 10,000 hot dogs and 300 gallons of drink.

Grilling will begin at 6 p.m.

The Luverne Lions Club and the Rock County Dairy Association will also have their trailers on hand with some other summertime treats.

Entertainment this year will start at 6:15 with a Tae Kwon Do demonstration followed by the Spotlight Dancers at 7:00 p.m., both located in front of the Luverne Chamber office.

A jumping venue for the kids will be located in front of City Hall, and "Blues on the Rocks" promoters will be on hand to answer questions about the local Sept. 7th event.

The annual 4-H dress revue will be on the front lawn of the Hinkly House and music will be available at the Carnegie Cultural Center.

Schedule set for Blues Festival
The schedule for what is being billed as the first annual "Blues on the Rocks" has been set.

The Sept. 7 event at the Verne Drive-In will begin at 2 p.m. and continue until midnight.

Six bands have been booked for the weekend.

Here is the schedule and a brief description of the performers:

2:00-3:00 p.m.: Root City Band, one of the hottest up-and-coming bands around the Twin Cities. This young band plays funky blues, rock and soul.

3:30-4:30 p.m.: Dave Moore. In 1980 Moore teamed up with songwriter Greg Brown who was gaining a national reputation. He has backed up Brown on recording projects, extensive tours and has made several appearances on Garrison KeillorÕs A Prairie Home Companion. He still records and travels throughout the nation playing his unique style of blues and still appears on KeillorÕs program.

5:00-6:00 p.m.: Rockin' Daddy and the Rough Cuts. R. J. Mischo and Dan Schwalbe first preformed together in 1984 as members of Mojo BufordÕs band. Performing as "Blues Deluxe," the band evolved into one of the top blues acts in the upper Midwest. In May of 1993 they changed their name to Rockin' Daddy and the Rough Cuts and released their CD "Straight Shooter."

6:30-8:00 p.m.: Jake Shakey Newman-Markiss Band. Jake "Shakey" Newman, a 14-year-old harmonica sensation, has been playing to packed house around the state since August of 1999. The past two years Jake has been performing around the Twin cities at local blues jams. "Jake's remarkable harmonicing, combined with his youthful energy and enthusiasm, is leaving audiences shaking their heads in amazement."

8:30-10:00 p.m.: Renee' Austin. Described as passionate, Austin has a six-octive range that makes her hard to compare to anyone. From the time she started singing at age 4, she knew what she would do with her life. Since then she has developed her own unique style of Motown, R&B, Soul, Rock and Pop. Her debut CD, "Dancing with Mr. Blue," has grabbed the attention of the music scene in the Twin Cities along with rave reviews for her voice.

10:30-Midnight: Chicago Rhythm & Blues Kings. Known as the Chicago Rhythm & Blues Kings since 1993 and the Mellow Fellows prior to that, the group "has been blasting out their own soul-steeped brand of R&B and blues on a nightly basis." With the addition of 6-foot, 5-inch, 370-pound singer Ernie Peniston, the group has once again started recording. Some of their best-known recording in the blues community include "Poor Man's Blues," "Things That Make Me Mad" and "Help Wanted."

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate, which will open at noon.

Publisher Roger Tollefson can be contacted by e-mail at
tolly@star-herald.com

Margaret Roetzel, 89, Adrian, died Tuesday, June 18, 2002, at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Services were Friday, June 21, at St. Adrian Catholic Church in Adrian. The Rev. Gerald Kosse officiated. Burial was in St. Mary Cemetery in Worthington.

Margaret Goergen was born to Frank and Elizabeth (Diederich) Goergen on Jan. 29, 1913, in Granville, Iowa. She attended catholic school in Granville and graduated from St. Adrian Catholic School in 1929.

She married Leonard Roetzel on Sept. 26, 1933. After their marriage the couple farmed south of Fulda. They later moved to the farm east of Worthington. Mr. Roetzel died Dec. 31, 1955. In March 1958, she moved her family to Adrian. She worked at Arnold Memorial Hospital in Adrian. She later worked at Nobles County Day Activities Center for 15 years before retiring.

Mrs. Roetzel was a member of St. Adrian Catholic Church where she taught CCD and Bible Study; Catholic Daughters of America; WCCW; MCCL; AARP; and Adrian Senior Citizens where she served as secretary. She enjoyed baking, gardening and playing cards.

Survivors include four sons, Frank (Jeannie) Roetzel, Spirit lake, Iowa, Daryl (Barb) Roetzel, Mitchell, S.D., Ken Roetzel, Burnsville, and Ralph (Kathy) Roetzel, Sioux Falls, S.D.; four daughters, Clarice Lenz, Lincoln, Neb., Carole (Delbert) Honermann, Adrian, Midge (Arnold) Block, Rochester, and Kathy (Richard) Strachan, Mankato; 24 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter, Trinity Shipley; one sister, Virginia Harens, St. Paul; and one sister-in-law, Helen Honkomp, Ashton, Iowa.

Mrs. Roetzel was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Leonard, three grandchildren, Leonard Shipley, Pamela Roetzel and Mark Roetzel, and four brothers, Joe, Ted, Martin and Paul Goergen.

Dingmann Funeral Home, Adrian, was in charge of arrangements.

Gary Bolte, 51, Leonard, died Tuesday, June 18, 2002, at Meritcare Hospital in Fargo, N.D. He was the son of Inga Bolte, Luverne.

Memorial services were Monday, June 24, at Cease Family Funeral Home in Bagley. Flag presentation was made by the Irvin Blix American Legion Post #16 of Bagley.

Gary Bolte was born to Edward and Inga Bolte on March 11, 1951, in Hendricks. He grew up in Clear Lake, S.D., where he graduated from high school. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1969 and worked as a lab technician. He served aboard the USS Tripoli and USS Acaidia. He was stationed in San Diego, Calif., Bethesda, Md., Camp Lejeune, N.C., Memphis, Tenn., Camp Smith in Hawaii and Corpus Christi, Texas. He was discharged in 1992 and moved to Leonard.

He married Beverly Annable on Sept. 24, 1971, in Rockville, Md.

Mr. Bolte was a member of Disabled American Veterans. He enjoyed collecting guns, bird feeding, reading, basketball, boxing, collecting sports cards and tools.

Survivors include his wife, Beverly Bolte, Leonard; two sons, Thomas Michael Bolte, Leonard, and Shawn William (Andrea) Bolte, Troy, Ohio; one daughter, Danyell (Mark) Sholes, Norfolk, Va.; three grandchildren, Elaine, Alexis and Hailey; his mother, Inga Bolte, Luverne; two brothers, James (Veronica) Bolte, Ely, and Bruce Bolte, Luverne; four sisters, Carol (Les) Neimann, Clear Lake, Jean (Gary) Floyd, Doris Bolte, all of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Linda (John) Dehahn, Sioux Falls, S.D.
Mr. Bolte was preceded in death by his father.

Cease Family Funeral Home, Bagley, was in charge of arrangements.

Emil E. Kellen, 96, of Adrian, formerly of Lismore, died Monday, June 17, 2002 at the Arnold Memorial Home, in Adrian.

Services will be Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church, in Lismore. Visitation is also one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the parish cemetery.

Mr. Kellen was born December 6, 1905, in Hospers, IA, to John and Anna (Hentges) Robinet. He was adopted by Pete and Mary (Hentges) Kellen in 1907. He went to school in Lismore. After school, he worked on the family farm east of Lismore.

Mr. Kellen was united in marriage to Agnes Voss on June 19, 1935, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, in Lismore. After their marriage, the couple lived on the Kellen farm east of Lismore for 65 years. They moved to the Meadows, in Worthington, in October of 2000. They became residents of the Arnold Memorial Home, in Adrian, in November of 2001.

He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, in Lismore; a Charter member of the St. Anthony Knights of Columbus; a Charter member of the Lismore Farmers Union; a Larkin Township Board member for several years; the Wilmont Mutual Board for 29 years; and a Larkin Township & City of Lismore Assessor for over 10 years. Emil enjoyed square dancing, cards, and working outside.

Emil is survived by his four children and their spouses, Jim & Jeanne Kellen, St. Charles, MO; Jerry & Mary Kellen, Lismore; Tom & Karen Kellen, Aberdeen, SD; and Betty & Mike Brahn, Spring, TX; eight grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his adopted parents; wife, Agnes, on March 23, 2002; five sisters; one brother; one step sister; and one step brother.

Arrangements by Dingmann Funeral Home, Adrian.