A popular children’s gospel song from my Bible school days in Kenneth urged us to be “lights in the darkness,” even if it meant brightening only our own little corners of the world.
“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine,” was playing in my head last month when I unraveled a set of solar-powered Christmas lights. I was curious how or if they would work.
A perfect little evergreen tree has been growing and taking shape in a lonely corner of a field along Highway 23 near our home.
For years I’ve pondered how to get Christmas bulbs on it, and with improved technology of solar lighting, I decided this year the little tree would be festive.
It took two strands to circle its nearly 9 feet to the tip, and I attached the 4-inch square solar panels to their accompanying stakes in the ground and drove away.
Meanwhile, I discovered the lights came with two in a package, so I strung the extra ones on our new little ornamental trees planted this fall in memory of Carson.
The wires fell unevenly on the sparse branches, but the effect was exactly what I hoped for.
The following night, after a day of charging in bright sunshine, the multi-colored bulbs illuminated the two little trees in an otherwise dark part of our east lawn.
Admiring the twinkling colors against the dark sky, I suddenly realized the stars were competing for attention. Tipping my gaze directly overhead, the constellations took my breath away. They were spectacular.
I breathed deeply and took in the moment that made me feel so tiny in a vast universe, yet so close to the heavens at the same time.
I wondered about Carson and how he was faring as a newcomer to heaven. I hear it’s so fabulous you no longer think about earthly concerns or loved ones left behind.
That’s when a shooting star blazed across the southern horizon. I gasped. “I love you too, Carson. Thanks for the message.”
Around that same time, I started getting texts from the neighbors about the tree along the highway. “Did you do that? People are noticing.”
I smiled.
The little roadside evergreen was also producing the desired effect — to share Christmas cheer with motorists traveling along an otherwise dark and lonely stretch of highway.
The spirit of the holidays can be shared in many ways, but I love that the solar lights draw their strength from the sun in order to spread cheer.
We might all do well to lean on a higher power over holidays, which can be dark and lonely if we’re grieving loved ones.
I intend to let “this little light of mine shine” … powered by the one who came to us in a manger … and hopefully by more Carson messages in the stars.
Merry Christmas, dear readers. Let your little lights shine wherever and however you’re able.

The Peterson blower got its first workout of the season, and more than likely, by the time you read this, Round 2 is in the books as well.
Had to put a new electric starter on the nearly 20-year-old blower.
Installing the starter is a simple repair, so I thought. After an hour or so of frustration, I did what I should have done to begin with – take it to Eddy.
A memory just popped into my head. Those of you my age or older might recall this as well. There was an episode of the Andy Griffith show where Aunt Bee’s freezer was acting up and Andy told her repeatedly to call the repairman.  Aunt Bee had Gomer come over and try to fix it, but he only compounded the problem. Andy again said, “Call the repairman.”
So, I did what Andy told Aunt Bee … I loaded up the snow blower and took it to Eddy.
In less than five minutes, Eddy had the new starter installed and I was on my way home.
Now that the snow blower is up and running, I thought it’s time to turn my attention to the office snow shovel.
My son-in-law gave me one of those heavy duty white plastic shovels last year. Didn’t take long for that shovel to become my go-to shovel, and I came to the quick conclusion that we needed one at the office.
Come to find out the shovel has a name – it’s  he “The Original” Snow Plow.
The one I picked up at Bomgaars is the 24-inch model. It’s also available in 30-, 36- and 48-inch widths. The price tag of $49.99 for the 24-inch model will give you a little sticker shock, but like I told the cashier, it’s worth every penny.
“The Original” Snow Plow isn’t what you would call a stocking stuffer, but if you’re looking for a last minute present for the snow shoveler in your life, this would be a great Christmas gift.
The shovel is available in Luverne at Bomgaars and Ace Hardware. At least they were before the last snowfall.

Dispatch report
Dec. 2
•Complainant on E. Main Street, Hardwick, reported a driving complaint.
•Complainant on E. Luverne Street reported a civil issue.
•Complainant on N. Freeman Avenue reported a civil issue.
•Complainant on N. Cedar Street reported vandalism.
•Complainant on N. McKenzie Street and E. Dodge Street reported vandalism.
•Complainant on N. Cedar Street reported vandalism.
Dec. 3
•Complainant on W. Main Street reported theft.
Dec. 4
•Complainant on W. Lincoln Street reported property damage.
•A missing person was reported.
•Complainant westbound on Interstate 90, mile marker 10, Luverne, reported a driving complaint.
Dec. 5
•Complainant on N. McKenzie Street reported vandalism.
•Complainant on N. Main Street, Kenneth, reported theft.
•Complainant on 160th Avenue and 191st Street, Hardwick, reported a parking issue.
•Complainant on Interstate 90 and Highway 75 reported a driving complaint.
•Complainant on N. Main Street, Kenneth, reported a civil issue.
Dec. 6
•Complainant on E. Lincoln Street reported a runaway.
•Complainant on E. Main Street reported fraud.
•Assistance from another department was provided on N. Hiawatha Avenue, Pipestone.
•Complainant on S. Donaldson Street reported a civil issue.
•Complainant on S. Donaldson Street reported a civil issue.
Dec. 8
•Assistance from another department was provided in Brandon, South Dakota.
•An outage was reported.
•Complainant on N. Cedar Street reported a parking issue.
 
In addition, officers responded to 6 motor vehicle accidents, 1 deer accident, 1 vehicle in the ditch, 1 transport, 1 escort, 6 ambulance runs, 2 paper services, 2 animal complaints, 13 background checks, 2 gas drive-offs, 3 alarms, 7 purchase and carry permits, 3 stalled vehicles, 8 traffic stops, 5 abandoned 911 calls, 1 test, 3 welfare checks and 3 follow-ups.

Luverne City Administrator John Call presented his last budget hearing during his last City Council meeting Tuesday, Dec. 6, ahead of his official retirement at the end of the month.
Luverne Mayor Pat Baustian thanked him for his leadership.
“He’s led our community and our city for 17 years, and he’s been one of the most involved city administrators that I’ve ever worked with,” Baustian said at the end of the meeting.
He said Call has been a mentor to administrators in other communities around the state.
“Many, many other city administrators look up to Mr. Call. … You’ve given them guidance and mentorship,” Baustian said. “As mayor, I’ve been very proud to work with you on the city council.”
Luverne’s new city administrator, Jill Wolf, began training under Call this week.
“The torch will be passed over the next two weeks, and we’re so grateful that you’re still giving us that time to mentor and bring our new city administrator up to speed,” Baustian said.
Call and his wife, Brenda, will continue living in Luverne after his retirement.
“The next person to help me move will be Jeff Hartquist,” Call joked.
Baustian thanked Call for his community involvement.
“Thank you, and congratulations on your retirement,” he said. “We’re happy you’re staying here.”
Call admitted he was getting choked up, but responded, “You’re very much welcome. It’s all been good. I appreciate everything.”
With that, the meeting adjourned while council members stood and applauded their retiring city leader.
 
Torch passed in city finance and water and wastewater departments
The city administrator isn’t the only city leadership position changing hands this year.
City Finance Director Barb Berghorst retired this summer after more than 30 years at the helm, and Luverne Water and Wastewater Supervisor Al Lais retires at year-end after nearly 50 years with the city.
Robyn Wessels has taken over as finance director, and Darrel Ykema is the new Water and Wastewater Department supervisor.
The Star Herald will feature these landmark retirements in next week’s edition.

Three Hills-Beaver Creek Secondary students were recently honored by the Wilmont VFW and VFW Auxiliary as winners in the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essay contests.
Joining the H-BC students in the contests were students from Adrian and Worthington Christian Schools.
Patriot’s Pen are entries from students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades. This year’s essay theme is “My Pledge to Our Veteran.”
Avery Winter from Fulda High School was the first-place winner. Brynn Bakken from H-BC was second along with H-BC’s Hailey Moser. The first- and second-place winners are now entered into the district contest.
Voice of Democracy entries are from students in grades 9-12. This year’s theme is “Why is the Veteran Important?”
Avril Susie from H-BC was chosen as this year’s Voice of Democracy essay winner. Second place was awarded to Claire Hoffman of Adrian and third to Kelli Renneke of Fulda.
Susie’s essay is now entered into the district contest with the possibility of competing in the state and national contests.
By Avril Susie
Why is the veteran important? This is not a hard question to answer. There are so many reasons why veterans are so influential.
Veterans are important to our nation and its history because they are a model community of men and women who are dedicated to the hard work in all that they did to defend and protect our country and our futures. They value our country: the land of the free and home of the brave.
First and foremost they endangered themselves every day, in far-away countries and lands that are unfamiliar to them. They never knew what was to come next, which is something everybody is scared of. That just shows how daring and fearless our veterans were. Whether they served in active combat or even just a support role they put themselves at high risks for mental health disorders or physical damage.
Our veterans have kept order and peace, and without those two things there would be chaos. They are selfless people who ask for very little in return. They left their families without hesitation to fight for their country, not knowing if they would ever see them again. Putting themselves in harm’s way so that people they know and don’t know stay out of harm’s way. Most of us could never imagine doing that, but they did it regardless.
Veterans come from all walks of life. Many of those veterans stepped up when our country was in need of them the most. Most of them embrace their responsibility as a veteran as a great sacrifice and honor, and it shows in all of our freedoms and opportunities we have today.
Once a year in the United States we honor their sacrifice on Veterans Day, November 11. It doesn’t matter if they served 50 years or just one. They  put their life on the line for us. All veterans should be celebrated and remembered equally. Again, they are noble people who don’t just do the job for themselves. These brave, honorable, and altruistic men and women believe in something greater than themselves.
They know that if we didn’t have their help, that others may not be free. At one time in their lives they raised their right hand and earnestly swore an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States and they do that with pride.
Veterans come from various walks of life. Some may be younger, some may be older, and some may be people we ignore as we walk by them on the street. It’s important to recognize and remember them. It doesn’t have to be Veterans Day for you to thank one. It is important to acknowledge and show gratitude to those who served every day.
Our veterans represent the colors on our flag: red, white and blue. Red represents hardiness and valor that they so bravely show. The veterans show hardiness because they have the ability to endure difficult conditions. Valor comes from the great courage they showed when faced with adversity. They don’t back down when things start to get tough or out of control because they are doing it for the people of the country they so proudly helped build.
The color white on our country’s flag represents purity and innocence. Veterans show purity because they defend our country without the thought of malice or evil intent. Their innocence shows because they have no intent of causing anybody harm but only intend to free us.
Lastly, the color blue on our national flag represents vigilance, justice and perseverance. If our veterans didn’t have vigilance, we wouldn’t live in our great and safe country that we have today. They have the ability to keep careful watch for possible danger or difficulties. Justice is what our vets fight for and want for us and we strive for justice for them as well. And they show perseverance by not backing down despite the situation they are faced with.
I feel that we take the precious freedoms we have for granted. We don’t consider what these brave men and women had to sacrifice. It is crucial to let them know that we are so incredibly grateful for leading our country and keeping it a safe and secure place that we can call home. Thanks to them I am free to do what I want and I have so many opportunities and chances that I can pursue.
Our veterans are a true example of bravery, excellence and true Americans. So thank you and all you do. Our country would not be the same without you.

LSS meals at Generations
 
Monday, Dec. 19: Salisbury steak in gravy, baked potato with sour cream, glazed carrots, bread slice, dessert.
Tuesday, Dec. 20: Beef chili with beans, romaine salad with dressing, fruit, corn bread muffin, cookie.
Wednesday, Dec. 21: Cheeseburger casserole, California Normandy vegetables, dessert.
Half-Price Day sponsored by Security Savings Bank.
 Thursday, Dec. 22: Meatballs, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, dinner roll, fresh fruit.
Friday, Dec. 23: Chicken ala king, whole grain brown rice, peas and carrots, fruit mix, dessert.
Half-Price Day sponsored by Grace Lutheran Church.
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.

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 July 8, 1943.
A man with experiences is L. G. Larson, who lives in the northwest part of Beaver Creek township. Student school teacher, store clerk and farmer, Mr. Larson can relate many interesting incidents which occurred to him during his lifetime.
Born April 20, 1868, in Hardanger, Norway, he came with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gunder Larson, at the age of two to Ridgeway, Iowa. They lived in Iowa for six years, and then decided to come farther west to obtain some of the free land that was available to those who would homestead it. They, like most of the pioneers, came here with oxen and covered wagons, the trip requiring three weeks. There were several families in the caravan, but most of them went to the vicinity around Colton. At that time, there was no such town as Colton, and the community was only known as Skunk Creek.
His father happened to be fortunate enough to be able to buy a quarter section homestead for $50 from the late Daniel Danielson, legally described as the northeast quarter of section 12, Beaver Creek township. Mr. Larson spent his boyhood on his father’s farm, going to school when he had the opportunity.
   Difficult Years
The first years here were difficult ones for many of the early settlers and the Larson family experienced many of those pioneer days hardships. However, Mr. Larson states, his family always had something to eat, if it was nothing more than potatoes and sour milk.
Other families, however, were less fortunate. One that Mr. Larson remembers in particular came to visit them. Driving an ox-team, the husband and wife and two children drove into their farmyard, and his father knew at a glance that they had had nothing to eat for some time.
They apparently knew that the Larsons had food, and they were given something to eat. The family had a six-months-old baby, Mr. Larson recalls, that developed pneumonia. There were no doctors nearby so they summoned John R. McKisson, who had no medical training, but had served as driver for a physician. The child, by some miracle, lived.
Luverne was in its infancy when Mr. Larson was a boy. He remembers coming here with his parents to buy food and clothing, and recalls how some of the younger people in town would ride horseback to a farm west of town to play croquet.
       Remembers
Storms
Like other pioneer settlers, Mr. Larson experienced the great snows of the 1880’s. He speaks of the winter of 1886 and 1887 as the “great snow winter.” The storm struck on the afternoon of October 14, following a morning of drizzling rain. “Father had built a sod stable,” Mr. Larson relates, “so we managed to get all the stock inside. We fed them plenty of hay and feed, but they had no water for two days, because of the storm. There were many other similar storms that winter, and we really had a lot of snow piled around us. One thing about it, it lasted way into the spring months.
“One incident of that particular winter, I’ll never forget. One morning father, mother and I heard something thumping on the roof of our sod house. It was dark as pitch inside, and we didn’t know what in the world it could be. Father lit a candle, the only light we had in those days, and went to the west door. He tried to open it but found that a solid bank of snow was packed against it. He had a shovel, and finally broke through, and we found that it was no longer night but day and the noise we heard on the roof was made by a neighbor girl, Sophie Tollefson, who had come on barrel skis to visit us.”
This article will continue in next week’s edition of the Star Herald.
         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 (2012)
•Voters living in the Hills-Beaver Creek School District voted to increase the district’s operating referendum to $1,521 per pupil unit.
Nearly 60 percent, or 389 voted to increase taxes and approve the referendum during the three-hour Tuesday evening vote.
The 651 voters of 1,259 registered voters came out to vote after a day of moving snow to get to the polls.
The new referendum will replace the existing $855.79 per pupil unit referendum and bring in approximately $249,981 in additional revenue per year for 10 years for operating expenses.
 
25 years ago (1997)
•The dream of a hospice cottage for Luverne Community Hospital is becoming a reality.
Recently, the Luverne City Council accepted bids of $404,943 for the construction of a five-bedroom residence to be located on the corner of Oakley and Luverne streets. “We will probably break ground in April,” said hospice volunteer coordinator Helen Saum. “Our charity dinner and auction are April 17. Maybe we’ll tie it in together.”
From the exterior, plans for the one-story building feature a wood frame construction, brick trim and a front porch. The interior 3,219 square feet will be divided into five patient rooms and baths, an open kitchen/living room/dining room area, family room and office.
“We want to stay very residential and home-like,” Saum said. Architects from Baldridge and Associates, Sioux Falls, revised the plans for the cottage in recent months. “Because of a donation, we went back to the original plan and added a few things, such as a bath and shower for each patient room,” Saum said. “It was something we really couldn’t afford before.”
The LCH board had previously planned to get bids and start construction this summer, but a gift from the estate of George Conrad changed the timetable for the cottage.
 
50 years ago (1972)
•The traditional Christmas song, “O Tannenbaum,” will be sung in the language it was originally written, when the first and second graders from the Luverne elementary school present their annual program Wednesday, Dec. 20.
The children, who are directed by Mrs. Don Talbert, have learned the German words to the familiar song, one of a number of secular and sacred selections which the 212 voices will sing during the program. The concert, which begins at 9:30 a.m. in the elementary school gym here, is open to the public.
 
75 years ago (1947)
•Thieves obtained about $130 in cash in three break-ins here early Monday morning.
Business places entered and losses reported were: Luverne Oil Company service station, $79 in cash; Eberlein’s Tavern, owned by Floyd O. Johnson, $20 in cash; and the Rainbow Inn, owned by Ray Schadwinkel, $30 in cash and a leather jacket valued at $29.
Attempts were also made to break into the Rock County Cooperative Oil company service station on the corner of Main and Estey, and The Grill, owned by M. R. Roberts.
 
100 years ago (1922)
•Tomorrow will be the big day of the pre-Christmas season for the youngsters, both little and big, of Luverne and Rock county, for after a year’s absence, Santa Claus is again to pay a brief visit to the city to exchange greetings with all his little friends and acquaintances. And no doubt many of the grown up kids will also want to be on hand to renew their former intimate friendship with old Santa and restore themselves in the good graces of this generous old man.
Santa is to be accompanied on his trip by Uncle Sam, and owning to the fact that his sleigh had been wrecked in colliding with the North Pole, he is making the trip this year by auto. The two distinguished gentlemen are expected to arrive at about 2:15 from the east, and every youngster in the county, ranging in size from those who have just learned to walk to the big kids, is expected to meet them and escort them down Main street to the bank corners. This parade will be headed by the Luverne band, and all the whistles in town will blow and bells will ring to give Santa and Uncle Sam a hearty welcome.

(First paragraphs are carried over from last week’s column.
Amaryllis are the drama plants for winter. They grow from a bulb, and like a tulip, the flower buds form in the bulb prior to its going dormant.
Your job as the plant keeper is to persuade that flower to come out of the bulb and bless you with its beauty.
In recent years “waxed” bulbs are the easy route because you don’t have to plant the bulb in soil. Looks easy and is easy, but I have yet to see a real success story. The flower stem gets pretty heavy so if it actually gets to that stage, it is difficult to keep it standing upright. And when it’s done or you’re tired of it, you pitch it … end of story.
On the other hand, I believe that when I purchase a bulb like this, I am making an investment it its future, and my plan is to have the joy of a repeat performance year after year.
So now I’ll tell you how to make that happen.
Amaryllis originate in south Africa. The environment they grow in has a rainy season and a dry season, but no cold season. The bulb grows at soil level and the dry season causes the bulb to go dormant, which it will remain until the rainy season begins.
When the bulb resumes growing, it may produce a flower stalk before the leaves, or they might grow simultaneously.
The drama is the fact of how fast that flower stalk grows and the spectacular flowers they produce … three to five blooms per stalk. We want to replicate those growing conditions to insure the blooms for the next season.
So, if you bought an unpotted bulb, plant it with the widest part of the bulb at soil level. Water the potting mix lightly and keep it just moist until growth begins.
It is imperative to place the potted bulb where it will receive bright sunlight. If the light is too low, the leaves will stretch toward the light source and their weight often causes them to break at the base.
After the blooms have finished, cut the flower stalk off at the base, but allow the leaves to remain. The recipe for success in getting that bulb to bloom again is to allow those leaves that give the energy for the bulb to develop its flower buds for the next bloom season.
Use a water-soluble plant food once per month and in spring after danger of frost, you can plant it in the garden for the summer.
Remember that this is a frost-sensitive bulb, so be sure to bring it back indoors prior to freezing temperature in the fall.
When you bring it back indoors, cut off the leaves at the top of the bulb and store it dry until new growth resumes.
They often remain dormant for a couple of months. The growing season from the time of blooming until fall is when the flower buds develop.
Planting outdoors is not required but bright sunlight indoors is essential for success.