I read this article in Political Money Line. For the first six months of 2005 lobbyists spent $1,164,586,968. on Congress and the executive branch.The big four were: health care $173 million, AARP $27 million to fight the above, $18 million U.S. Chamber of Commerce and $17 million for the law firm of Patton Boggs. Again, this is for six months. Domestic spending is up 43 percent and we are spending more than a $100 billion a year in Iraq.Yes, indeed, as Mark Twain once said, "We have the best government money can buy."Leon PickLuverne

PROBATE COURTDISTRICT COURT—COUNTY COURTPROBATE DIVISIONORDER AND NOTICE OF HEARING FOR FORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE IN SUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION AND NOTICE TO CREDITORSSTATE OF MINNESOTACOUNTY OF ROCKIn Re: Estate of Grace C. Van Wyhe, DeceasedTO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS:It is Ordered and Notice is hereby given that on the 13th day of March, 2006, at 3:30 O’clock P.M., a hearing will be held in the above named Court at Rock County Courthouse, Luverne, Minnesota, for the formal probate of an instrument purporting to be the will of the above named deceased, dated March 14, 2001 and for the appointment of Chris Van Wyhe whose address is 631 St. Hwy 270, Hills, MN 56138, as personal representative of the estate of the above named decedent in supervised administration, and that any objections thereto must be filed with the Court. That, if proper, and no objections are filed, said personal representative will be appointed to administer the estate, to collect all assets, pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, and sell real and personal property, and do all necessary acts for the estate. Upon completion of the administration, the representative shall file a final account for the allowance and shall distribute the estate to the persons thereto entitled as ordered by the Court, and close the estate. Notice is further given that ALL CREDITORS having claims against said estate are required to present the same to said personal representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this notice or said claims will be barred. Dated: 02-17-06 /s/Timothy K. ConnellDistrict Court Judge /s/ /s/Daniel W. Vis Sandra L. VrtacnikAttorney for Petitioner Court AdministratorEisma and Eisma130 East Main, Box 625Luverne, MN 56156(507) 283-4828I.D. #271238(2-23, 3-2)

MINUTES OF THE HILLS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITYFebruary 14, 2006Linus Svoboda, President of the Hills EDA, called the meeting to order at 8:35 P.M. with the following board members present: Linus Svoboda, Keith Elbers, Jim Jellema, Pete Hoff, and Ross Metzger. Others present: Connie Wiertzema, EDA Secretary; Joanne Goehle, EDA Treasurer; and Lexi Moore, Reporter-Hills Crescent. Motion by Hoff, seconded by Jellema to approve the minutes of January 10th. Motion carried. Motion by Jellema, seconded by Metzger to approve payment of the January expenditure. Motion carried. No further business, meeting adjourned at 8:36 P.M./s/ Connie J. WiertzemaEDA Secretary(2-23)

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE HILLS CITY COUNCILFEBRUARY 14, 2006Mayor Jim Jellema called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. with the following council members present: Jim Jellema, Linus Svoboda, Keith Elbers, Pete Hoff, and Ross Metzger. Employees present: Joanne Goehle, City Treasurer; Connie Wiertzema, City Clerk; and Wayne Ward, City Maintenance. Guests: from the Hills Fire Department-Jeff Bass, Jared Rozeboom, and Mark Top; from Martin Township-Dave Swanson, Alan Nuffer, and Gawaine Diekevers; from Clarey’s Safety Equipment-Mike Ohliger; from Hills Crescent-Lexi Moore. Also present Tom and Elizabeth Ranfranz, and George Reining. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Metzger to approve the minutes of January 10th. Motion carried. Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Hoff to approve payment of the January expenditures: General $6,721.68; Park $739.87; Fire $37.65; Street $1,661.83; Legion $368.29; Sewer $1,016.99; Garbage $1,949.82; Recycling $2.00; Water $3,753.98; Law Enforcement $9,746.50. Motion carried. General Checking 68,341.66General Fund CD#18924, 3.55%, 6/9/05 (prev. #18614) 251,002.85General Fund CD#19056 (prev. #188764) 4.25%, 9/15/06 122,287.95Fire Truck Replacement CD#19200, 4.15%, 12/9/06 3,000.00Hills EDA Security Deposit Account 436.83Hills EDA Checking — Acct # 1248 679.14Southern Hills Condo Acct. #1263 0.00EDA CD#18870, 3.25%, 5/7/06 76,869.87EDA CD#19164, 2%, 3/14/06 40,300.00EDA CD#19165, 4.25%, 11/15/06 138,000.00Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Elbers to approve the transfer of $4,785 from EDA CD#19164 to EDA checking; and to renew EDA CD#19164 on March 15th for 11 months at 4.15% interest; and approved the Treasurer’s report. Motion carried. Ward informed the Council of his work to locate water service lines on each parcel. The Council discussed to have this information inserted on plats, to be updated by DGR, but to obtain a cost proposal prior to that platting. Jeff Bass, Jared Rozeboom and Mark Top of the Hills Fire Department, and Mike Ohliger of Clarey’s Safety Equipment, Inc. appeared to discuss a $3,850 discrepancy in Clarey’s billing for air pack supplies. Following the discussion, the City and Martin Township offered to split the difference with Clarey’s Equipment in order to resolve the matter. Mike Ohliger agreed to that offer. The City and Martin Township will be responsible for a total of $1,925; and Clarey’s will pick up $1,925. The City Council and Martin Township reviewed the 2007 proposed Fire Department budget. The proposed budget included $910 for salaries; $5,000-insurance; $5,700-operating supplies; $2,200-repairs; $2,000-physicals; $1,700 training; $2,500-fuel; $500-dues; $1,600-phone and electricity; $200-license; $5,000-relief association contributions; $3,000-truck replacement fund; $3,000-clothing, grant writing, miscellaneous. The 2007 proposed budget total is $31,585, compared to $23,700 for the 2006 budget. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Hoff to approve the 2007 proposed budget as submitted. Martin Township agreed to approve also. The City of Hills and Martin Township agreed to allow the old fire gear to be donated to area Fire Departments. The City and Township agreed to allow the Fire Department to apply for grants, only if supplies are needed, but to keep the City and Township up-to-date on any costs involved, prior to the submission of such grants. The City of Hills and Martin Township discussed Fire Contracts for the City of Steen and Clinton Township. Following discussion, it was suggested to charge the City of Steen $3,000, and Clinton Township $6,737.50. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Metzger to approve these rates. Martin Township agreed to approve also. Motion carried. The City Council inquired about any and all fire department funds that must be transferred to the City and Martin Township, per requirements by the State Auditor’s Office; and as previously discussed between the City’s auditors and Fire Department Officers. The fire department members informed the Council and Township that there is no money left, and that their checking account has been closed. Tom and Elizabeth Ranfranz appeared to request permission to construct a 6’ wood privacy fence along the south and east sides of their property, which has been surveyed. In the future, they plan to fence in their entire backyard. Motion Elbers, seconded by Metzger to approve the fence, pending Ranfranz complete a building permit application and attach a copy of their plans as presented. Motion carried. George Reining received the City’s request to have all the debris removed from his house burn, including the entire foundation and basement flooring. Reining inquired whether the Council would allow the removal of two to three feet of foundation below ground level, and fill in the remaining foundation. Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Hoff to stay with the Council’s initial agreement, that all debris be removed from the property, including the entire foundation and cement basement floor. Motion carried. Reining estimated the cleanup to take up until April 1, 2006. Council approved the timeline. The Council will obtain cost proposals to replace a hot water heater in the Legion, and for sidewalk replacement east of Main Avenue for one block. Electrical outlets and exit signs will be added and replaced in the Hills American Legion auditorium. The Council approved to have one block of Main Avenue blocked off on June 9th and 10th for Car Club and Friendship Day activities. The Council approved Rock County’s Hazardous Mitigation Plan with no changes or additions. Due to township elections, the City’s regular March meeting is rescheduled for Monday, March 6th at 6:00 P.M.The City’s Board of Review meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 9th at 6:30 P.M.Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Hoff to refund utility deposits to Jon and Tedra Voss and Rod and Starla Scholten. Motion carried. No further discussion, meeting adjourned at 8:35 P.M.Connie J. WiertzemaCity Clerk(2-23)

Hills-Beaver Creek Dist. 671Minutes1-23-06The Hills-Beaver Creek School Board met for its semimonthly meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the library in Hills.Board members present were DeBoer, Harnack, Esselink, Leuthold, Fransman, Boeve, and Baker. Superintendent Deragisch and Principal Holthaus were also in attendance. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Esselink. Visitors to the meeting were recognized by the chairman. The only visitor was Lexi Moore of The Crescent. Motion by Leuthold, second by Fransman, and carried to approve the agenda.Patriot Pride: Paraprofessionals Amy Spykerboer, Wanda Hoyme, Barb Bos, Sherry Paulsen, Mardi Leuthold, and Mavis Schmidt for doing a fine job Billy Horsman for winning the Elementary Geography BeeThe Crescent and Star Herald article by John Rittenhouse about the gym lights and Student CouncilElementary report was given by Mr. Holthaus.High School report was presented by Superintendent Deragisch. The minutes of the last meeting were approved as sent out.Motion by Boeve, second by Baker, and carried to pass the resolution to direct administration to make recommendations for adjustments in curriculum, programs and staff for the following year if needed. Remarks concerning the MSBA convention were given by those who attended. Blue Cross/Blue Shield overcharge settlement process was presented. Discussion was held about the 2006-07 school year start date. The board discussed changing the school board elections from odd years to even years.The board reviewed the current enrollment. For 2005-06 the elementary enrollment is 140, the high school enrollment is 162, for a total of 302.First reading of Policy 529, 530, and 532.Patriot Millworks informationDates to Remember: February 13 School Board meeting at 7:30 p.m. February 27 School Board meeting at 7:30 p.m.Agenda items for next meeting: Policy 529, 530, 532Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.Lloyd DeBoer, Clerk(2-23)

Harvey Peter Huiskes, 75, Harlingen, Texas, formerly of Luverne, died Saturday, Feb. 4, 2006, in Harlingen.Services were Thursday, Feb. 9, with the Rev. Richard officiating. Burial was at Las Rusias Cemetery in Harlingen. Harvey Huiskes was born to Joe and Anna Marie (Peterson) Huiskes on April 15, 1930, in rural Beaver Creek. He moved with his family to a farm near Hardwick where he attended a rural school. In 1943 his family moved to Luverne. He worked for Worthmore Produce and Paulson Dehydrating Plant in Luverne. He also worked for Carlos and Katherine Rocco, carnival owners. He moved from Luverne to Harlingen. He than worked as a groundskeeper at 77 RV Park and Harlingen Storage and Mini Warehouse. Survivors include one brother, Harry (Jeannette) Huiskes. Mr. Huiskes was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Alvin, and an infant brother, Henry. Trinity Funeral Home, Harlingen, was in charge of arrangements.

10 years ago (1996)"Eight FFA members from the Hills-Beaver Creek chapter competed in the Sioux Empire Farm Show Dairy judging contest, held Jan. 26. The members included Ryan Burgers, Scott Harnack, Craig Korthals, Randy Mulder, Renee Noll, Amie Nuffer, Linda VanderBerg and Summer Wysong.The top judge was Amie Nuffer."25 years ago (1981)"Hugo Goehle was honored this week for his 400th career victory as basketball coach at H-BC. Goehle’s career at H-BC spans more than a quarter of a century and he has voiced an intention to shoot for the 500 victory mark."50 years ago (1956)"The school board had a luncheon meeting February 14, with Mr. Kepp, the general contractor, Mr. Zwart, the electrical contractor. Mr. Meester, the plumbing contractor, and also Mr. Olson, a representative of the Beuttler Architect firm. A working schedule for the construction of the school addition was worked out. Mr. Kepp advised the school board that a full crew would be on the job until completion. Mr. Meester planned to move his plumbing crew in as soon as the roof is on the shop."75 years ago (1931)"The Crescent has been asked to get the sentiment of the citizens in our town, as to whether or not the village shall hire a band instructor, or ask the businessmen to again shoulder the burden.The main object is to keep the people at home and have our own band, as we did last summer or do we all want to go to other towns and hear their music?"100 years ago (1906)"The young ladies of the G.H.J.C. gave an invitation party at the opera hall Saturday evening which proved to be the social event of the season. The hall had been tastefully decorated for the occasion. About thirty couples were present and the fore part of the evening was pleasantly spent to carrying out a program, after which a dainty lap supper was served. The remainder of the evening was spent in games and dancing, music being furnished by a large phonograph."

An Ode to the SundemsTheirs are the faces behind the busiest corner in town,with gas pumps, movies, candy and coffee,they make their sales without ever wearing a frown.Orv’s jolly personality, even when the temperatures fall,makes stopping for gas at the station,a joyful delight for residents big and small.As Bonnie takes our cash,she is always warm and welcoming,with plenty to say before patrons make a dash.Last week, folks seeking their service,were met with a sign of temporary closing,needless to say the town was nervous.Without their tales, their help, their laughter,how would we survive without this star couple?Who would heat our homes, pump our gas and make us happier?When the doors remained locked another day,I realized pumping my gas was up to me,Without Orv’s help and Bonnie’s sweet voice, there was no other way.Life continued without their help,but not with the same pleasure andnot without at least several hundred people uttering a yelp.Together, they are Hills’ heroes,constantly putting us before themselves,with few complaints and vacation days usually totaling zero.Last week, when they hung up that sign and left town,they left behind adoring fanswho missed them sunup to sundown.A much-deserved vacation they took.We all want them rested and happy,for life without them was a terrifying look.Story ideas or comments can be e-mailed to Lexi Moore atlexim@star-herald.com or called in at 962-3561.

Harriet Skattum went to Forestburg, S.D., last week Saturday for a visit in the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Margo and Dewayne Edwards. Saturday she joined other relatives to attend funeral services for a niece, Sharon Peck, in Huron, S.D. She returned to Hills last Wednesday. Evangeline Opheim and sons Alan and Paul attended a gathering in Centerville, S.D., recently honoring her cousin, Everett Knudtson, on his 40th birthday. Some 50 friends and relatives attended. Mae Top returned home Monday after spending a few days in the Sioux Valley Luverne Hospital in Luverne.