Old Glory was waving proudly over the Memorial Day weekend, and with the onset of summer, she’ll have increasing opportunities to be on display.
Flag Day is observed on June 14.
It’s a good time to review flag etiquette with regard to proper handling and display of our nation’s symbol of freedom and liberty.
According to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the U.S. flag should fly at peak, above any other flag.
When grouped with other flags, the U.S. flag goes to its own right. Flags of other nations are flown at same height. 
Never use the flag for decoration. Use bunting with the blue on top, then white, then red. 
Do not let the flag touch the ground. 
Do not fly flag upside down unless there is an emergency. 
Do not carry the flag flat or carry things in it. 
Do not use the flag as clothing. 
Do not store the flag where it can get dirty. 
Do not use it as a cover. 
Do not fasten it or tie it back. Always allow it to fall free. 
Do not draw on, or otherwise mark the flag. 
Per Federal Flag Code, Section 2, paragraph (a), it is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open.
However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours per day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
The flag’s 13 alternating red and white stripes represent the 13 original colonies. Its 50 white stars on a blue field represent the 50 states.
The colors on the flag each have a meaning.
Red signifies valor and bravery.
White stands for purity and innocence.
Blue symbolizes vigilance, perseverance and justice.
Flag Day on June 14 commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.
Let’s fly our U.S. flag proudly, but keep in mind the proper and respectful ways to handle and display it.

About 15 years ago I hit a deer on the road and totaled my old Chevy Blazer. No one (except the deer) was hurt, but it shook me up and stressed me out.
It meant an insurance claim, finding a different low-budget vehicle, and time-consuming paperwork for a single working mother with no spare time.
My own mother often encouraged us to tackle problems by considering how important they’ll be five years from now. Will all of this matter that much?
It’s helpful advice that often results in less time spent worrying about details that aren’t that important.
But I’ve also found the theory works in reverse.
For example, if I knew five years ago what I know today, how would I have tackled my problems? Or even three years ago?
Burying a son introduced an entirely new standard for measuring and tackling problems.
It’s arguably the most difficult and painful experience a parent can encounter, but it helps to apply the measure of perspective.
I’m not alone.
Everyone hurts.
Life hurts.
Life is hard.
And it’s tempting to get caught up in the daily grind of minor pestilence that can drag us down.
But hard times have a way of teaching the best lessons. … Lessons that make us stronger and more resilient.
It's counterintuitive, but hardness can result in softness. In a good way.
When approached with the right perspective, hard times can open our eyes to the otherwise unseen beauty of the here and now. … to see past the angst of “what if” or “if only.”
And ultimately, we can become better people.
We can gain clarity that helps to realize what we’re capable of.
Life still happens.
Like a nail in the sidewall of my tire last week … right after a leak sprung in the refrigerator door.
But I’ve already survived the unthinkable.
Flat tires and appliance malfunctions are mere bumps in the road compared with hurdles and mountains already behind me.
See how it works?
Little did I know 15 years ago how minor a problem my deer-vs-Chevy crash was, relative to the challenges that lie ahead.
Dear readers, none of this is to imply all challenges are meaningless. Rather, the encouragement is to ask, in the words of my mother, “How important will this be five years from now?”
 

My last column was about my upcoming fishing trip. Well, been there, done that, and here is my takeaway from the trip.
First and foremost, no injuries for me this time. If you recall, I broke my big toe the last trip racing another camper to the showers.
The fishing was fantastic, the weather was like always, hot, cold, windy … and this year, for a change of pace, heavy Canadian smoke cut out the sun, and visibility was down to maybe a couple hundred yards at times on one of the days.
The keeper walleyes ranged 15.5 inches to 19 inches, and we caught our limit every day. In addition to the keepers, we also caught hundreds of walleyes just under the 15-inch minimum. I hooked a 14-inch crappie that seemed to catch everyone’s attention at the fish cleaning station.
Although the fishing was great, it wasn’t like they were jumping in the boat. We, (three of us) fished between five to six hours a day in a 20-foot Lund boat. It was mostly comfortable, but five hours in rough waters can test one’s patience.
Trying to thread the fishing line through a jig in a rocking boat without my cheaters on was … well, I have no printable words that can justify the frustration I endured.
Next patience tester was hanging on to the slippery minnow while trying to bait the jig that took me the better part of ten minutes to tie on.
That darn (not the word I use on the boat) minnow was able to escape my grip every time. Picking the minnow up off the boat floor was no picnic either.
Every time I dropped something or needed my tackle box or needed to grab the net or the fish measuring tube, it was always just out of reach ̶ not far, but far enough that I had to stand up in the rocking boat to reach it.
Standing up in the boat for the previously mentioned items was nothing compared to trying to stand and take care of business when nature called.
As always, the good far outweighs the bad on the fishing trip. We caught plenty of fish, ate too much, hydrated  enough, and spent three days with friends, which is never enough time.

Dementia awareness event shows that ‘love always remembers'
 
To the Editor:
A.C.E. of SW MN and the Southwest Minnesota Dementia Awareness Network (SWDAN) were grateful to be able to bring our spring dementia event to our community in May at the lovely Presbyterian Church in Luverne.
Caregivers shared their personal stories which helped us understand how every person’s dementia journey is different. The presenters shared excellent information to help caregivers navigate their journey, and we could see how the caregivers selflessly give their time and hearts to serve others every day.
We are so fortunate to live in a community with generous businesses, organizations and community members who support our dementia walks which allow us to host this great educational event.
 At the end of the day, we all understood that “Love Always Remembers” and we need to hang on to all the good memories of our loved ones. Of all the gifts we can give in this life, love is the most profound. “I Love You” are three of the most powerful words spoken.
Linda Wenzel, Jill Toering, Connie Frahm
Southwest Minnesota Dementia Awareness Network Committee

The flag pole outside of the Hills Fire Hall on the corner of South Main Avenue and East Third Street received a necessary replacement earlier this month when a new pole and cement base was installed. The cost, nearly $1,700, is split between the city of Hills and Martin Township, which jointly operate the volunteer fire department.

Dispatch report
May 19
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue reported an assault.
•Assistance from another department was requested on S. Kniss Avenue.
•Assistance from another department was requested.
May 20
•Complainant on Sherman Avenue reported a driving complaint.
•Complainant on N. Cedar Street reported trespassing.
•Complainant on 190th Avenue, Kenneth, reported a fire.
•Complainant east-bound on Interstate 90, mile marker 6, Beaver Creek, reported a pedestrian.
•Complainant east-bound on Interstate 90, mile marker 20, Magnolia, reported a driving complaint.
•Complainant on W. 57th Street, Hills, reported disturbing the peace.
May 21
•Complainant west-bound on Interstate 90, mile marker 1, Valley Springs, South Dakota, requested assistance from another department.
May 22
•Complainant east-bound on Interstate 90, mile marker 5, Beaver Creek, reported a driving complaint.
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue reported theft.
•Complainant on E. Fletcher Street reported a civil issue.
May 23
•Complainant on 47th Street, Elk Point, South Dakota, reported a civil issue.
•Complainant east-bound on Interstate 90, mile marker 6, Beaver Creek, reported debris.
•Complainant on N. McKenzie Street reported a scam.
May 24
•Complainant on N. Kniss Avenue reported a driving complaint.
•Complainant on S. Fourth Street, Beaver Creek, reported weapons.
•Complainant on W. Mead Court reported a civil issue.
•Complainant on Interstate 90, mile marker 12, Luverne, requested assistance from another department.
•Complainant on Highway 75 and Interstate 90 on ramp, Luverne, requested assistance from another department.
•Complainant westbound on Interstate 90, exit 12, Luverne, requested assistance from another department.
•Complainant on N. Kniss Avenue reported disturbing the peace.
May 25
•Complainant on 121st Street, Garretson, reported suspicious activity.
In addition, officers responded to 2 motor vehicle accidents, 1 deer accident, 1 transport, 1 escort, 8 ambulance runs, 8 paper services, 4 animal complaints, 7 fingerprint requests, 14 burn permits, 2 background checks, 2 alarms, 1 purchase and carry permit, 2 stalled vehicles, 16 traffic stops, 17 abandoned 911 calls, 1 report of cattle out and 1 follow-up.

Open houses
An open house bridal shower for Kaitlyn Roberts, bride-to-be of Thomas Vagjrt, will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 18, at Take 16 Brewing Co. at 501 E. Main Street, Luverne.

LSS meals at Generations
 
Monday, June 5: Chicken-fried steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, mixed vegetables, dinner roll, dessert.
Tuesday, June 6:
 Chicken mandarin salad, vegetable, fruit, bread, dessert.
Wednesday, June 7: Goulash, mixed green salad with dressing, tropical fruit, bread, pudding.
Thursday, June 8: Pork loin, candied yams, California Normandy vegetables, bread, bar.
Friday, June 9:
Pepper steak, baked potato with sour cream, mixed vegetables, dinner roll and dessert.
LSS Dining offers well-balanced and affordable meals in a community atmosphere.
Call Pam Franken at 283-9846, extension 11 to reserve one day prior, to arrange to pick up a dinner or for home-delivered meals.
Gift certificates are available at the meal site or online at www.lssmn.org/nutrition.

By Betty Mann, Rock County Historian
The following article is part of the Diamond Club Member group that began in the January 7, 1943, issue of the Rock County Star Herald. Members of this group consist of persons of age 75 and older.
The following appeared in The Rock County Herald on October 14, 1943.
 
John Welzenbach, Luverne…was Early Day Cigar Maker (continued)
 
He liked Luverne the minute he stepped off the train, he stated. Causing him to have a favorable impression on the community from the start was the fact that there were at that time numerous bird dogs in the city. Being a lover of the out of doors, and enjoying hunting and fishing, he knew that Luverne could not be a backward western town if its residents were lovers of fine dogs.
         Mr. Welzenbach lived on the farm for 29 years before retiring and moving to Luverne. While on the farm, he served as treasurer for school district 50 for 26 years, and as treasurer of Mound township for 24 years. For the past 12 years, he has been treasurer for the Beaver Creek Mutual Fire Insurance company, a position he still holds.
         Since boyhood, Mr. Welzenbach stated, he had two ambitions. One was to see the source of the Mississippi, and the other to see his birthplace in Germany. Both aspirations became reality.
 
Visits Birthplace
         It was in 1928 that he and his brother made the trip back to Bavaria. Hausen, the village in which he was born, had added but three houses since they had left there 60 years previous. With plenty of time to travel, Mr. Welzenbach and his brother visited all the villages in that area, traveling from one to the other with horse and buggy.
         “Germany was getting along nicely at that time,” Mr. Welzenbach said, “and if the people had just been left alone to work things out for themselves, they’d have been all right today.”
         Mr. Welzenbach’s father had been a miller in Germany, and while visiting there, they saw the mill which their father had operated six decades previous.
         “Because father was a business man, he was lucky enough to obtain a hunting license, a privilege few villagers had,” Mr. Welzenbach explained. “For that reason, people back in father’s time called the mill “’Hunter’s Mill’, and that name was still used when we visited there.”
 
Visited Main Cities
       During their stay, they visited 12 of Germany’s principal cities, and also went to Paris. They also made a trip on the river Rhine from Mainz to Cologne. River banks were terraced and were planted to grapes and hops. “That was one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen,” Mr. Welzenbach said.
         Mr. Welzenbach was married in Davenport, Iowa, to Lizzie Kuehl, on October 29, 1896. They became the parents of six children, five of whom are living. They are William, Wolf Point, Mont.; Arnold, Mound township; Mrs. John (Alice) Steffen, Hardwick; Mrs. Herman (Edna) Thorson, Luverne, and Pvt. Harvey Welzenbach, Camp Crowder, Mo. They also have 13 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
         Mr. Welzenbach has one half-brother and a sister living. They are Joe Welzenbach, Omaha, and Mrs. Mary Miller, Davenport, Iowa.
 
         Donations to the Rock County Historical Society can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, 312 E. Main Street, Luverne, MN 56156.
Mann welcomes correspondence sent to mannmade@iw.net.