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.

10 years ago (2013)
•Enough time has passed since the artist Mary Renfro lived in Luverne for locals to ask, “Who’s Mary Renfro?”
Here's the answer.
Mary Renfro was a painter who lived in Luverne from the 1940s to the 1970s. She and her husband, Don, owned Renfro Variety from 1948 to 1970.
During the 20-some years that Mary Renfro lived in Luverne, she painted and taught painting classes. …
Renfro died in 2000 at the age of 94.
People who knew Renfro were captivated by her energy and appreciation for life and beauty. …
The Rock County Fine Arts organization is collecting Mary Renfro art for a show scheduled for June and July at the Carnegie Cultural Center in Luverne.
 
25 years ago (1998)
•The Luverne School Board decided Thursday to investigate the possibility of including hockey as an extracurricular sport for 10th- through 12th-graders in the school.
The hockey program in Luverne is currently considered a club sport with no school affiliation. Ed Bouwman, president of the Luverne Hockey Association, said hockey as a high school sport is gaining popularity statewide. …
He said the association, which owns the Blue Mound Ice Arena, is prepared to foot the bill for ice time for four practices a week and up to 14 home games and scrimmages, provide equipment and uniforms for 18 skaters and two goalies, and provide referees and other game officials for home games.
According to the proposal, the association and the School Board would enter into a contract for five years, which would cost the school district $6,100 the first year, $6,000 the second, $5,900 the third, $4,700 the fourth and $3,700 the fifth year.
Student participants would pay a $100 fee, which Luverne hockey players currently pay to participate. Student athletes in existing Minnesota State High School League-sponsored activities pay $7.50 for each activity.
 
50 years ago (1973)
•Donley Bosch, Hills-Beaver Creek graduate, was the recipient of the first annual Dean Deragisch Citizenship Award, it was announced at the school’s commencement May 18.
Bosch received an individual plaque and will have his name inscribed on a large plaque which is placed in the hallway of the high school.
Bosch was chosen by the faculty and student council on the basis of five requirements. Conditions for the award include honor, behavior and respect toward fellow students; courage, standing behind his beliefs; scholarship; leadership and participation.
 
75 years ago (1948)
•If Leonard Hansen was a nervous groom when he was married last week, he had regained his composure by Tuesday night. Pitching for Nelson Brothers softball team in a game against Hills here, he didn’t allow the visiting batters a single hit, and the Luverne team won 3 to 0. Welzenbach, pitching for Hills, allowed only three hits in the fast and interesting game.
Luverne’s next game in the league is with Steen at Steen Monday night. Luverne is tied for first place in the league standing.
 
100 years ago (1923)
•The Luverne schools today complete their term of study for this year, and the majority of teachers who are leaving today and tomorrow for their homes will not return after the summer vacation to resume their work here.
Only nine of the present faculty of twenty-seven have renewed their contracts here for another year, and in most of these cases the teachers reside in this city, Supt. H.C. Bell, Principal R.D. Teesdale, Miss Ethel Armstrong, J.A. Rolfing and Mrs. Cora W. Rea, of the high school, Mrs. Mary Athan, of the Normal department, Miss Clara Lawin, of the Junior high school, Miss Mary Jones and Miss Avis Hazelton, of Central school, will be with the teaching corps next year.
Supt. Bell has secured a number of new teachers for next year, but there are still several other vacancies to be filled.

The historic Hinkly House museum will be dec0rated with the artistic talents of local quilters this weekend during Luverne’s Buffalo Days celebration.
Among them will be the handiwork of Bev Doorenbos and Mary Akkerman, the Blue Mound Quilt Guild 2023 Quilters of the Year.
They were recognized earlier this year for their “quilting talents, dedication to the art of quilting and willingness to help their fellow quilters.” 
Both women learned to sew at their mothers’ trundle sewing machine, which required hand, eye and feet coordination.
Their quilts will be featured from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 3, at the Blue Mound Quilters Guild Quilt Show at the Hinkly House during Buffalo Days.
Blue Mound Quilters Guild co-chairpersons Deb Van Heerde and Jill Willers shared information about Doorenbos and Akkerman ahead of this weekend’s event.
 
Bev Doorenbos
Doorenbos is a third-generation sewer on the family’s trundle sewing machine after her grandfather purchased it off a traveling peddler’s cart.
She started sewing clothes and branched out to quilts, at first using traditional steps of making them out of old clothes, 1960s polyester, then cotton fabric.
Doorenbos recalls that prior to the 1980s, quilts were cut out by scissors and templates. The rotator cutter was introduced in 1979 in the garment industry and since then became a standard piece of equipment among quilters.
Her first quilt pattern was Clay’s Choice, made with purchased cotton fabric from J.C. Penney in Rock Rapids, Iowa, in the late 1970s. At first she hand-quilted her quilts, then began machine-quilting them.
Active in making charity quilts for her church, her goal is to sew 60 charity quilt tops per year.
She makes the top, and another church member ties them. One year they completed 110 baby quilts.
As an avid puzzler, Doorenbos considers quilting to be a large jigsaw puzzle, putting the odds and ends of fabric donated to church into an attractive quilt. Her favorite quilt patterns are the three-yard quilts, which make for good throws.
“Bev has always been an upbeat member of the guild,” the Blue Mound Quilters said about Doorenbos. “She is quick to problem-solve, explain and encourage.”
 
Mary Akkerman
Through 4-H, Akkerman learned how to sew different garments, and she made her own clothes.
She tells the story about getting a poor grade in home economics class for completing projects too quickly.
The teacher wanted to check every step of the process, but Akkerman knew how to put sleeves in a blouse and didn’t stop for approval. She got a lower grade for not following instructions even though her sleeve placement was perfect. 
As an adult, Akkerman made her children’s clothing in addition to her own, and in her retirement, she moved from clothing to crafting. One of her specialties was pillowcase dolls, which she sold to finance a trip to Las Vegas. She also made Pilgrim dolls and Amish dolls. 
Akkerman started making quilts out of polyester and moved to cotton, learning from Elaine Mann at the Sewing Basket.
She has been active in her church’s charity quilt program for 15 years and secures discounts and donations for the church for materials like backing and batting that must be purchased.
For the guild, Akkerman has held many leadership roles and is always ready to teach newer and faster ways to make traditional blocks. With one project, she turned a man’s long-sleeved shirt into an apron. 
Today, Mary works on small projects in her home, such as table runners and mug rugs, due to her limited space. She taught her daughter to quilt and to design her own patterns that they work on together and create gifts.
“The most meaningful project they worked on together was for Mary’s son. He was very surprised and emotional when he received his quilt,” the Blue Mound Quilters shared about Akkerman.
Questions about the Hinkly House quilt show can be directed to Van Heerde at 507-283-2279 or Willers at 507-283-2460.