By Lori Ehde
Midway through the growing season, area producers are assessing their crops and making predictions on yields.

Following two years of record harvest in Rock County this fall may be a letdown, due to damaging storms earlier this year.

Widespread hail pelted soybean fields in the southern part of Rock County in late May, just after the tender shoots had emerged.

According to Extension Educator Fraser Norton, some farmers clearly had to replant, but the borderline fields left on their own have done remarkably well.

"The questionable ones who didn't replant made the right decision," Norton said. "For the most part, those fields did come back. In fact they did better than if they'd been replanted, plus those farmers avoided the extra costs of replanting."

In July, high winds flattened fledgling cornstalks in northern Rock County.

Norton said the most damage occurred in fields whose root systems had already been compromised by soil compaction or herbicide damage or root worm. Stage of crop development was also a factor.

Chuck Feikema, who plants about 1,500 acres of corn, said winds damaged about 80 percent his fields.

"It's pretty well twisted up and laying down, and the stalks have goosenecked," he said.

Feikema said the storm simply came at a bad time for the stalks because they hadn't established strong "brace roots" yet.

Now, he's hoping the timing is better for the first snowfall, which would put the already low-laying ears on the ground.

"It could be challenging to harvest. I'm sure this took 20 percent off our yields," Feikema said.

On the bright side, Norton said local fields are looking better than others in the Midwest.

"Rock County is certainly the best in the region," he said.

"I've been up to the Cities several times this summer. There, they started out way too wet, and then it got really dry, so the roots were not as developed as they should be."

Countywide, Norton said yields will be down, but he said they'll still be close to average for Rock County.

An average corn yield for Rock County is 140 bushels per acre. Soybeans have averaged 40 to 45 bushels per acre.

Compared with 158-bushel corn last year and 49-bushel soybeans two years ago, harvest this year may be a letdown.

"It's too early to say for beans," Norton said. "August is an important month, and we'll need rain this month for pod filling."

He added that harvest is still a long way off, considering several things could affect yields between now and then.

"The proof of the pudding is in the eating," Norton said. "We won't know until we see the yields."

By Sara Quam
Rock County nursing home facilities have the option to reduce the number of beds in place of more flexible care, thanks to the state Legislature.

The state's long-term care system is currently heavily weighted toward nursing home care. In order to shift the balance toward more community-based long-term care, the 2001 legislation developed incentives for nursing homes to reduce up to 5,140 facility beds in the next two years.

When a home takes away a number of beds, the state will reinvest money into the facility in other areas, such as programs or facility improvements. The decision to close beds is entirely up to individual nursing homes.

Dana Dahlquist, administrator at Tuff Memorial Home, Hills, said the 52-bed facility hasn't had difficulty keeping filled, but he said cutting back may be an option.

"We're debating it. We have six double rooms that we might turn into private, but that would be one or two at a time," Dahlquist said.

He said services provided by assisted living facilities or home health care workers could extend the time some people spend outside the nursing homes.

"People can make educated decisions about where they're going to be," he said.

Rock County Family Services Director Randy Ehlers said a combination of things prompted the legislation. The Baby Boomer generation wants more choices and freedom with long-term care, and the state, especially the southwest portion, has an abundance of nursing home beds.

Linda Studer, administrator of the Mary Jane Brown Good Samaritan Home, said the Luverne facility isn't prepared to start looking at reducing beds just yet.

"I think the state is seeing that people want choices and there needs to be funding to provide those choices," Studer said.

She said if the community has a need for assisted living, some nursing home beds may be reduced. "If there's going to be beds closing," Studer said, "you have to pick up the slack somewhere else, like in assisted living."

The state is prepared to offer incentives to shift some of the burden of care off nursing homes. The 2001 legislation:

Invests in home- and community-based programs (Elderly Waiver, Alternative Care and Group Residential Housing) to meet increased demand for services.

Provides incentives for the planned, voluntary closure of up to 5,140 nursing facility beds over the next two years with some of the savings reinvested back into the nursing facility industry.

Revises resident relocation statutes and provides funding for county costs of relocations.

Improves access to Alternative Care and Elderly Waiver services through rate equalization between the programs and across counties.

Simplifies administration through a common service menu across Alternative Care and waivers.

Invests in infrastructure - renovation and replacement of outdated nursing homes.

While area nursing homes may be full most of the time, Twin Cities nursing home facilities are finding it difficult to operate because more services, such as home health care and assisted living, are available there. Meanwhile, more nursing homes were constructed there in the 1960s and '70s.
Another trend is shortened nursing home stays. A growing number of nursing home residents are there for short post-hospital stays and transition back to their home or enter an assisted living facility after regaining some strength. Others put off entering nursing homes until the last stages of life when other options have been exhausted.

Since the legislation was just passed, it will take some time before local nursing homes decide what they'll do and how to go about making changes, if any.

"It's just enough to make you feel part of nature," Jim Brandenburg said about the sprinkle of rain at Friday's dedication of the first federally-owned tall grass prairie. About 60 people joined community members from the Brandenburg Prairie Foundation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife members at the purchased prairie site located in northwest Rock County in Mound Township Friday. Ron Cole, the head of the Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge, also spoke at the dedication and praised the support from the community for making this happen. He said he has never had a community come to him first about restoring prairie.

Following the dedication was a reception at the Brandenburg Gallery and a dinner at the Luverne Elementary School Commons. About 130 people attended the meal, which featured meat provided by Prairie Heights Bison. Brandenburg shared a slide show of selected works in the Luverne High School Theatre. "I thought it went great," said Randy Creeger, president of the Brandenburg Prairie Foundation. People came from as far away as the Twin Cities and Algona, Iowa. "The interest in prairie will grow as time goes on," Creeger said.

Photographer Jim Brandenburg's 3-year-old granddaughter, Olivia Brandenburg Ross, finds a comfy seat on a quartzite rock during Friday's dedication of tall grass prairie northwest of Luverne.

Photo by Katrina Vander Kooi

By Sara Quam
Rock County seniors who exemplify the spirit of volunteerism were honored Friday as part of the Rock County Fair.

Of the eight nominees, Victor Hoeck, Hardwick, and Joyce (Kitty) Helgeson, Beaver Creek, were chosen as the most outstanding seniors to represent Rock County at the state fair.

Both Helgeson and Hoeck said they were surprised by their special recognition. Hoeck said, "I was much surprised, didnÕt think I was worthy of it."

This was the first year Hoeck was nominated and the second year for Helgeson.

Helgeson said, "I thought there were more deserving people than me." She was nominated because of her years of work at the father-son pool tournament in Beaver Creek, her work with hospice and for helping at Palisade Lutheran Church whenever possible.

Joan Chesley nominated Helgeson and said, "She has been very active in the Father-Son Pool Tournament, Beaver Creek Memorial Day programs, Beaver Creek Senior Citizens, Advisory Board for hospice and donated trees to the Luverne Country Club.

"She and [her husband] Gordy were awarded the 1999 Friend of Hospice award for their financial contributions. I consider it a real privilege to nominate Kitty for Rock County's Outstanding Senior Citizen. She has done so much for her community and was of great support to her husband while he was serving his country in World War II."

Hoeck was also recognized for a variety of work. He was nominated by Ryan Limesand, Rock County 4-H and Rock County Agricultural Society, and by Ken Hoime.

Limesand said, "I believe that Victor Hoeck should be selected as the Outstanding Senior Citizen because of all the work he has done with the young people in Rock County through his involvement with the 4-H program. Vic was instrumental in getting my brother and me involved in the sheep program. He always offered advice when it was asked for and offered encouragement when our expectations fell short.

"Vic has demonstrated endless effort at promoting agricultural values in Rock County youth. I truly believe he serves because of his love of kids."

Hoime said, "The kids love him because he always cheers them on when things arenÕt going so great. He has helped many years with both FFA projects in Luverne and Hills. Wendell Erickson feels Vic deserves recognition for his involvement at Hills.

He spreads himself thin sometimes but loves working with people. "I think it started way back when I was working up at the school as a custodian," Hoeck said.

Since retiring there, he worked at the Beaver Creek rest area helping tourists get information about the area, helps with various charities and has been a fair board member who also keeps the grounds manicured during the summer.

Even so, Hoeck said, "I didn't expect anything like this."

Other nominees
Also nominated for Outstanding Senior was Darlene Anderson, Luverne. She was nominated by Judy Elbers, her daughter, who said, "If you know Darlene personally, you've probably received a greeting card from her. She sends out dozens of birthday, anniversary, get well and sympathy cards. She loves to brighten someone else's day. There isn't a week that goes by that doesn't find her visiting hospitals, nursing homes, or shut-ins. At 83, she still holds coffee klatches and dinner parties in her home."

Anderson is patriotic, never missing a day at the polls and believes in supporting local merchants.

Cornelius Bosch, Steen, was nominated by Steen Senior Citizens. His nomination letter said, "His present activities are backed by a long history of service to others. Above all, he has a compassion and love for all people and their needs. He's always ready to help and that's why we want to nominate him."

Bosch served in the military, on the school board, as a church elder and deacon, was president of senior citizens and is currently vice president. He was a clerk for the city of Steen for 17 years and has been instrumental in getting grants for several projects for Steen such as sewer and water.

Fabian Deutsch, Magnolia, was nominated by Shelly Deutsch and Glenda Schomacker, who said, "Fabian is retired from the bulk gas delivery business. Fabian is serving his second term as mayor of Magnolia. During this time he has worked hard for the community. He donates much of his time for the city. He has gotten started and organized Santa Day in Magnolia. He also is willing to give of his time to work in the park, help residents with any problem they have and do any business items for the city that has to be taken care of.

"I think the most awesome benefit that he has gotten completed for the residents of the city is meals on wheels are now available. Fabian had to go through the different hoops of the state to get this done."

Tillie Clark, Luverne, was nominated by Bernard Morgan. Morgan said of Clark, "Tillie has been a person that works behind the scenes. She feels much better scrubbing a floor than receiving an award. If you need a volunteer, you can be sure she will be there. She gives unselfishly of her time, talent and treasures. Tillie is energetic, cheerful and can motivate others."

Tillie has worked with handicapped people for 18 years, at St. Catherine Church and visits shut-ins.

Alyce McClure, Luverne, is another nominee. She was named by Marian Vance, who said, "Whenever I would ask someone about Alyce, they'd all say sheÕs the greatest - she does a wonderful job and is always willing to help."

McClure's activities include being president of Luverne Senior Citizens, organizing fund-raisers, judging spelling contest, summer camp, craft shows, Bethany Ladies' Aid, church librarian, janitor, member of VFW and American Legion auxiliaries and other activities.

Jake Boomgaarden, Luverne, got a nomination from Joan Chesley. Boomgaarden is known for officiating in five sports for 56 years. Chesley said, "He has devoted his life to the good of his country and community. He served his country in World War II in Europe for three years and has been a member of the VFW since 1944. He has served the VFW in many capacities.

"Sometimes when people retire, they 'retire' from organizations and volunteering, but not Jake."

In addition to the VFW, Boomgaarden is a member of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Cooties, Masons and volunteers at the Minnesota Veterans Home.

By Jolene Farley
Hills Locker Service has been located on the main street in Hills for more than 50 years.

When Albert and Gerald Haak retired about eight years ago, Tedd and Diane Larson purchased the business from them.

The locker specializes in dried beef, but it also offers jerky and sticks, according to Tedd Larson, who uses special recipes for some products.

Tedd emphasizes processing is not the only service the business provides. "We offer a full line of retail meats and sausages," said Tedd.

Hills Locker Service draws in people from a broad area. The business capitalizes on being able to offer food tax-free to South Dakota customers.

Fall is the Larsons' busiest time of year. Tedd Larson said people "stock up for winter" and some give meat as a holiday gift.

The oddest thing the Locker Service has ever processed was a bear. He said the sticks weren't bad, but the roast was not very tasty, adding that bear meat is very greasy.

Hills Locker Service employs one to three people, depending on the season.

During the summer the Larsons have one full-time person. During the winter that number increases to three full-time people.

Diane helps out on the floor when needed and helps with the bookkeeping.

The Larsons have four children Hana, 20, Trisha, 17, Lance, 15, and Lucy, 11. All the Larson children help out in the locker.

Hazelton, born in 1901, was raised in Luverne. After graduating from Luverne High School in 1919, Hazelton taught school in a one-room country school. Later, she assisted first grade teacher, Mary Jones, in Luverne.

When Hazelton was about 25 years old, she moved to St. Paul to work at Golden Rule Department Store as a sales person trainer. She later took a job as floor supervisor at another St. Paul department store, the Emporium. Her last traveling position was as Detail Representative for a New Jersey company, selling tooth powder and toothbrushes.

Hazelton returned to Luverne from St. Paul after many years and taught first and second grade for eight years in Steen and third grade for two years in Beaver Creek.

"When I was a girl É all a child was supposed to do was to be a child and grow up," said Hazelton about the changes in kids over the years.

For many years Hazelton was the Luverne contact for the Worthington Globe.

She has a fondness for art. She took art courses from the University of Minnesota.

Hazelton took voice and piano lessons and sang with many church choirs, the Civic Chorus of St. Paul and later with St. Paul Civic Opera. She established the First Presbyterian Junior Choir in Luverne.

Hazelton has served as Pink Ladies president and remains an honorary member.

When asked to share memories Hazelton exclaimed, "There are so many memories which one should I pick?"

Hazelton only recently became a resident at the Tuff Memorial Home in Hills. She resided in the Blue Mound Towers in Luverne before her move.

Hazelton never married and has no children.

A party celebrating her 100th birthday will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, at Grace Lutheran Church. Friends and family request stories and pictures instead of gifts.

By Jolene Farley
On Aug. 11 Tuff Home resident Avis Hazelton will reach a landmark in her life. She will celebrate her 100th birthday.

When asked what she wanted for a birthday celebrating 100 years of living, Hazelton replied, "Oh, nothing special. Just a good day with friends and family."

Jordan Davis (standing), Jared Davis, Heath Van Wyhe, Joshua Davis, Halden Van Wyhe and Tabitha Davis peddle sweet corn in front of Orv's Station as a fund-raiser for the Hills United Reformed Church Boys and Girls Club. Volunteers are optimistic they will match last year's sales of $900. A pickup load of sweet corn was purchased yesterday by a local man and donated to the Banquet in Sioux Falls. Volunteers plan to sell on and off through Friday and all day Saturday.

Photo by Jolene Farley