By Jolene Farley
With Operation "Enduring Freedom" in full swing in Afghanistan and many of America's soldiers fighting to maintain our way of life, Veterans Day holds added meaning this year.

Many men and women either fought for our country in past wars or did their part to support those fighting. Many veterans have an opinion on "Enduring Freedom."

Now 69, Gerald Haak, Hills, was 20 years old when he was shipped to Korea in 1952 as an Army corporal.

He stayed until the truce was signed, and he remembers "a lot of noise and destruction" from his time in Vietnam.

Haak's company moved frequently, providing artillary support to the infantry. They moved along the enemy lines knocking out enemy positions with a Howitzer 105. "We were just like sitting ducks out there because we were moving so much," he said.

Haak remembers a very cold climate. His company slept mostly in bunkers, never in buildings, in snow more than a foot deep at times.

He clearly remembers lying in bunkers listening to the firing, day and night.

Haak and the others in his company were awarded the Bronze Star for their bravery.

Despite harsh conditions, Haak thinks it was "worth it all," and he thinks Operation Enduring Freedom is worth it, too.
"We can see how we depend on freedom. I think they are doing the right thing," said Haak. "If we donÕt protect ourselves they will just come over and run over us. Terrorism won't stop."

Haak fears a long, drawn-out battle. Americans all need to do their part and work with the nation's leaders and stand behind them, according to Haak.

"We took freedom so much for granted we thought nothing else could happen," said Haak, "This was a real awakening. We need to stand behind all the people in the military."

Haak added, "We all have to pray."

Vietnam veteran Gawaine Diekevers, 53, Steen, agrees with Haak. "We can't let terrorists continue," said Diekevers. The Army drafted him in the spring of 1968 and by fall he was on his way to Vietnam.

Diekevers served in an artillery unit and a supply unit. Later he became a liaison person, mapping locations for infantry and artillery units.

The majority of the enemy fire occurred at night, Diekevers said. Heavy rains forced his unit to move frequently. The enemy took advantage of the moves by firing on the troops.

"There were times you would wonder if this is going to be the end," said Diekevers.

Diekevers credits his Christian upbringing with providing strength during the difficult times. "Whatever would happen I never feared death," he said.

President Bush and his cabinet should be upheld in prayer and supported in any way possible, according to Diekevers.

"I feel for those serving their time over there," he said. "I give them a lot of credit for going over so we can keep peace."

He said subtle dangers, not as worrisome in past wars, could be an issue in "Enduring Freedom," such as a danger to the food and water supply or the danger of contracting various diseases.

"So often it is not until years later when these things show up," he said. Soldiers sacrifice for their country by spending years in the service and find out later they have also sacrificed their good health.

"I've never seen a religion yet who could destroy lives in the way they do and call it a holy war," Diekevers said.

Sixty-four-year-old Orv Sundem, Hills, was a member of the Minnesota National Guard for 12 years. Sundem joined the day after his 17th birthday, eventually achieving the rank of E-6 in an infantry division for a mortar platoon.

He took a break from the Guard for nine years, then rejoined for three years. He was never called for active duty but was always prepared to serve, particularly during the Cuban Conflict.

Sundem is sympathetic toward the loss of innocent lives in the Afghanistan conflict but says "that's part of war."

He agrees with how the United States is handling the situation. "I think it's a job that's got to be done," he said. "Otherwise we are going to see a lot more of it (terrorism)."

All the men agreed everyone should take the time this Veterans Day to remember those who have served in the past and also those who are currently defending our country under inhospitable conditions.

By Sara Quam
Rock County plans to get more aggressive in collecting county funds from recipients of financial help.

The Rock County Board Tuesday approved creating a full-time position for collections. The position had been less than full time since it was created in 1997.

Although the position will now include health and fringe benefits, the county still expects a profit from money brought in by collections.

Collections will come from people who were over-paid medical benefits, used detoxification services or from people who suddenly come into money after years of receiving financial assistance.
The position is 41-percent covered by federal reimbursement.

Family Services Director Randy Ehlers warned the board that the more aggressive approach to collections could come back to them in the form of complaints.

Commissioner Wildung said, "It's a good message to send to people about responsibility. I think an obligation is an obligation."

Ehlers said, "If we didnÕt think it was going to [add up] every year, we wouldn't suggest this."

The state has made it easier for counties to file judgments against people who've received excess payments or owe counties money. Judgments may come in the form of garnishing wages or seizing assets.

The county may work on the recommendation of Family Services to set a general collections policy.

Ona Reker, fiscal supervisor, said, "Collections is relatively new. We can define which way to go. Counties have been leaning toward a trend of being more aggressive."

In other business Tuesday the board:
Heard an update on Rock County Pool and Fitness Center developments. The Pool Commission has said it feels its hands are tied in helping to make a decision on the future of the facility because it doesn't have the authority to ask for proposals.

The commission and the city and county are open to ideas from interested parties who may manage, lease or purchase the Pool and Fitness Center to take the funding burden off the joint owners.

Commissioner Wildung said the commission, although it has limited power, could still outline what it feels needs to be addressed to improve the facility. It could compile a general list of what's good with each option the Pool and Fitness Center can use.

Heard a construction update from County Engineer Mark Sehr. He said Lincoln Street and one other bridge are the only projects not finished. Lincoln Street in Luverne is close to being finished and should be open to traffic this week. It will cost the contractor about $10,000 in fines for being late.

Closed the meeting to discuss union negotiations. The budget won't be fine-tuned until those are tallied, and talks are still in the works.

Volunteers take a lunch break at the Brad Beers farm south of Luverne Monday. Those available for a photo are (from left) Brad Beers, Larry Reverts holding his grandson, Dylan Gyberg, Tim Fick, Loren Fick, Jerry Klosterbuer, Steve Tofteland and Melvin Fick. Not pictured are Arden Fick, Jeff Thorson and Jane Beers (who fed the crew).

Roger said his son was involved with the fair since he was a little boy in 4-H. "He just wanted to do it," he said. "He loved it."

Local Rock County Fair legend George Golla, Luverne, wrote in a sympathy card that Scott was one of his favorite people since he was a little boy.

"He just seemed to be interested in many of the same things, such as agriculture, the county fair, 4-H work, livestock and many other things," Golla wrote.

"The county fair is going to miss him terribly. He's been so active in that job, and you could always count on him to do the job."

During funeral mass Friday at St. Catherine Church, George McDonald, Scott's friend of 30 years, shared insight on Scott's personality and his drive to succeed.

"Whatever he did, he did it well," McDonald said. "Probably the hardest thing he had to do was quit playing golf when he had his stroke (nine years ago). He could have probably done better with one arm than most of us could do with two."

His mother, Gayle, said she encouraged him to try golfing again, but he knew he would never play as well as he used to. "That was the thing with him," she said Monday. "He didn't want to do anything if he knew he couldn't do it well."

McDonald said farming was the love of Scott's life, next to his family, and he devoted his energies to the family farm and to being a good husband and father.

"The world needs more men like Scott Beers," McDonald said.

Scott's wife, Gina, brought a meal (much of the food given to the family) to one of the crews Monday at noon.

She was touched by the generosity of volunteers. "It's pretty overwhelming," she said, choking back tears. "Scotty would have been embarrassed, but so proud."

The harvest efforts were organized by Ron Fick and Lowell Jauert who had worked closely with Scott on the Rock County Fair Board.

They said he'll be most remembered for his dedication to 4-H and the local fair. "He was Mr. Fair," Jauert said. "He kinda did it all."

Scott was a member of the Fair Board for 20 years, serving as past president, past vice president and most recently as treasurer.

Fick said it will be hard to replace him. "We're going to be short. He'll be missed," he said. "He did what would take six men to do.He knew everything about the fair and he loved it. He was just this pillar on the board. Whenever we had a problem, we'd look to Scott."

Scott was a volunteer for the State Fair 4-H Beef Show for more than 20 years, and Juanita Reed Boneface, former state 4-H youth director, said she always considered Scott one of her right-hand men in organizing and managing the show.

"He was always willing to go the extra mile, spend time in meetings and was always there for help in making hard decisions," she said.

Scott also served as Rock County 4-H beef superintendent for 25 years and he sold calves in the Winner's Circle Show Calf Sale for 29 years.

Roger said his son was involved with the fair since he was a little boy in 4-H. "He just wanted to do it," he said. "He loved it."

Local Rock County Fair legend George Golla, Luverne, wrote in a sympathy card that Scott was one of his favorite people since he was a little boy.

"He just seemed to be interested in many of the same things, such as agriculture, the county fair, 4-H work, livestock and many other things," Golla wrote.

"The county fair is going to miss him terribly. He's been so active in that job, and you could always count on him to do the job."

During funeral mass Friday at St. Catherine Church, George McDonald, Scott's friend of 30 years, shared insight on Scott's personality and his drive to succeed.

"Whatever he did, he did it well," McDonald said. "Probably the hardest thing he had to do was quit playing golf when he had his stroke (nine years ago). He could have probably done better with one arm than most of us could do with two."

His mother, Gayle, said she encouraged him to try golfing again, but he knew he would never play as well as he used to. "That was the thing with him," she said Monday. "He didn't want to do anything if he knew he couldn't do it well."

McDonald said farming was the love of Scott's life, next to his family, and he devoted his energies to the family farm and to being a good husband and father.

"The world needs more men like Scott Beers," McDonald said.

By Lori Ehde
These have been dark days for family and friends of 46-year-old Scott Beers, who died in his home last week of an apparent heart attack.

But the sun shone brightly Monday on combines, tractors and wagons as more than 20 friends and neighbors helped Scott's father, Roger, and brother, Brad, harvest nearly 200 remaining acres of corn.

"We weren't expecting this," Roger said. "It makes you really feel good. I can just see Scott up there smiling and looking down on all this. He would really be appreciative."

With four combines pacing the fields, the work was wrapped up in about eight hours. "That's doing a harvest in a hurry," Roger said. "I've never seen anything like it."

By Jolene Farley
Six candidates vied for four open seats on the Hills-Beaver Creek School Board Tuesday.

Incumbents Alan Harnack and Lois Leuthold held their seats, while newcomers Tim Baker and Matt Larson will fill the seats to be vacated by Rolland Crawford and Dave Roozenboom.

Final ballot totals were Alan Harnack, 274, Lois Leuthold, 247, Matt Larson, 216, Tim Baker, 202, Annette Mahone, 104 and Robert Wassenaar, 104.

The Hills-Beaver Creek School Board immediately ratified the election results at their meeting later Tuesday night.

Of the nearly 1,587 registered voters in the Hills-Beaver Creek District, Hills/Martin Township voters cast 188 ballots, Steen/Clinton Township voters cast 52 ballots and Beaver Creek city/Beaver Creek Township and Springwater Township cast an estimated 85 ballots in the School Board election.

The total number of registered voters includes 686 registered voters in the Hills/Martin Township precinct, 287 registered voters in the Steen/Clinton Township precinct and 614 in the Beaver Creek city/Beaver Creek Township and Springwater Township precinct.

By Sara Quam
Rock County is one of a few in the region that still hasn't decided whether to advance $18,000 to the floundering Southwest Regional Development Commission.

After more research and discussion, the Rock County Board of Commissioners tabled the vote Tuesday for a second time.

Communication and governing practices within the SRDC are still a concern to Rock County. The board also wants to know if the nine southwest counties will be responsible for making up any funds in the case of bankruptcy or if the SRDC folds.

Commissioner Ron Boyenga said, "Worst case scenario, we could pay over $700,000, and we should make sure a few people wonÕt cause that to happen."

The board fears that state bonds may have to be repaid if the SRDC's assets, namely Prairie Expo, are no longer for a public use. But with unanswered questions, the board and the SRDC are left to wait it out.

The SRDC has said that without the $18,000 advance, it won't likely survive.

All along, the Rock County Commissioners have said they didn't like the way the SRDC was handling funds and its communications. And even though it is a member, Rock County felt powerless in the way the SRDC was governed.

An executive board makes all decisions without equal representation from the nine member counties.

Commissioner Jane Wildung said, "We have a representative sitting at these commission meetings who's not being informed. I'm certainly sympathetic, but there are things that have to be fixed in the way theyÕve done things - the decision-making structure."

All of the SRDC's cash reserves went to Prairie Expo, which closed months ago. The executive board of the SRDC knew about the funding problems six months before the rest of the commission or any of the counties or cities were informed.

It's that kind of practice that concerns Commissioner Bob Jarchow. "I have a hard time giving taxpayers' money to an organization that has proven it can't manage it."

Only two counties, Lyon and Marshall, have voted to give the SRDC an advance that the SRDC says it will pay back with future tax levies.

Jarchow said, "I think there's a bigger fight down the road, and I don't see that throwing $18,000 at it is going to prevent us from paying the $700,000 later on."

The SRDC still pays monthly utilities and insurance on the unused Prairie Expo. The SRDC can get money through grants but probably won't be able to operate without all nine counties giving $18,000.

By Jolene Farley
With few farmers left in the fields it has been, by all accounts, an average year, according to Hills Cargill Farm Service Center Manager Brad Berkhof.

He said beans yielded around 45 bushels per acre, and the corn harvest in some areas of the county was good, while in other areas, hit by high wind and hail, it was not so good. Corn yielded, on average, 80 to 100 bushels per acre.

The dry August didn't have the feared effect on soybean yields, according to Berkhof, unless the beans were planted in lighter, sandier soil.

"Overall they (farmers) are probably pretty happy with their yields," said Berkhof.

Harvest started later this year, according to Berkhof. "It was generally slower," he said. "We got started later, about two to three weeks behind."

A late start in the spring and in some areas, bean replanting because of hail, contributed to the late harvest.

Goose-necked corn also slowed some farmers down. The downed corn was more difficult for combines to pick up, according to Berkhof.

Last year, most farmers were done with harvest by the third or fourth week in October. This year, harvest is about 90-percent complete in the first full week of November.

Berkhof estimates the busy period at Cargill is drawing to a close for another season. "From this point forward most farmers will probably hold onto their grain to wait for better prices." he said.

This week's prices for corn range from $1.50 to $1.60 per bushel and for beans $3.90 to $4 per bushel.
The amount of grain on the market contributes to the price farmers receive for their crop. This fall prices are "on the low side of average," according to Berkhof.

"The majority (of farmers) kept what they could at home," he said. "Every bin or storage facility was filled up hoping the price would get better."

The market could change for better or worse after the United States Department of Agriculture releases a final crop report on Friday, Berkhof said.

Most soybeans sold to Cargill this fall will be transported by truck to a soybean processing plant in Sioux City, Neb. Most corn will be transported by rail to various destinations.

Cargill in Hills handles 6 to 8 million bushels of grain per year, according to Berkhof.

While Tuesday's results are obviously good news for the district's budget, Schaefer's enthusiasm was dampened by the reality of increasing school costs that are quickly outpacing funding support from the state.

Despite last year's $328,000 in cuts, the Luverne District's revenues still fall short of expenses by more than $100,000. Expenses such as fuel and health insurance have affected all districts.

That, combined with state support not meeting inflation and rising expenses, adds up to a projected $120,000 shortfall by the end of this school year.

With voter approval of the operating levy, Luverne district bought some time to brace for an uncertain future of state funding for education.

"The next step now is to see how the state funds the basic education package," Schaefer said Tuesday.

Adrian levy referendum fails by only tow votes, 305 to 303

Adrian Superintendent LeRoy Domagala sighed heavily into the phone when he called to report the results of Adrian School District's special election Tuesday.

The proposed $450-per-pupil operating levy referendum failed by two solitary votes, leaving Domagala wondering what to do with a school budget that's already in the red.

"We're in deep doo-doo," he said Tuesday night.

Of the roughly 1,550 eligible voters in the district, 608 cast their ballots, 303 in favor and 305 against. "Somebody didn't vote that probably should have," Domagala said.

He said the district can put the question to voters again next year, but he said it's too late to salvage financing for the 2002-2003 school year.

"We're already in debt," Domagala said.

Adrian School District joined many districts statewide in proposing operating referendums to compensate for state funding that is not keeping pace with increasing education costs.

A brochure mailed in the Adrian district prior to the election warned that if residents vote down the proposal, "There will be major cuts and changes across the board in all areas of our children's education."

Some of these changes include increased class sizes, fewer teachers and support staff, elimination of some activities and elective classes and increased fees for student activities.

The levy's effect on a $100,000 property would have been roughly $134 per year.