As I grow older by the day, I can’t recall doing any one thing that I’ve enjoyed 100 times during my adult life.Sure, there are the mundane chores like washing dishes, mowing lawn and taking out the garbage that all adults endure a countless number of times.Those tasks, however, are not exactly mentally or physically stimulating.I have taken up the sport of golf in the last decade, but I seriously doubt that I’ve hit 100 good shots in that time span.So when an e-mail landed on my desk last week about a local skater competing in her 100th event during the Frosty Blades Competition in Blaine Feb. 10-12, it caught my attention.It’s true.Luverne’s Gretchen Schneekloth, a 13-year-old Luverne Middle School seventh-grader, is scheduled to compete in seven events during the attraction in Blaine.It will be the second event of the weekend, the dramatic spotlight competition, in which Schneekloth will reach the 100-event milestone for her career. She will be the first Blue Mound Figure Skating Club member to accomplish that task.Schneekloth was introduced to skating when she attended the club’s annual spring ice show with her family at the age of 4."She thought it looked fun, so we put her in the program the next year," said Marion Schneekloth, Gretchen’s mother."She really liked it a lot, and she still does. Like anything else, once you start competing, it gets in your blood."After being limited to two or three events as an Alpha skater, Schneekloth, who has been competing the last seven years, has scaled the ranks to the Freestyle 4 level. As she’s matured as a skater, she was able to compete in more events at the three or four shows the BMFSC attends on a yearly basis.Along with developing a passion for the sport, Schneekloth is pretty good at it.She has placed (finishing fifth or better) in 90 percent of the events she has skated in and has placed third or better in 75 events. Schneekloth has won 25 event titles in her career.Considering her young age and the fact that Gretchen can be a member of the local program for five more years, Schneekloth will end her career as the most seasoned skater in the history of the club.Still, when she reaches the 100th event mark in Blaine the weekend after next, it will be an accomplishment Schneekloth can take pride in and treasure the rest of her life.Congratulations, Gretchen!Your dedication to skating will serve as a source of inspiration for me. If I keeping swinging my golf clubs, I could reach the 100-decent-shot mark in the next two or three years.CountyConnectionsRock County coaches were in the limelight at the Minnesota State High School Track and Field Association’s Annual Awards Banquet at Park Center High School in Brooklyn Park Saturday.Not only did Luverne High School’s Craig Nelson receive the MSHSTFCA’s Class A Boys’ Coach of the Year Award, the late Hugo Goehle, a long-time coach at Hills-Beaver Creek, was inducted into the MSHSTFCA’s Hall of Fame.Tom Goehle, the current H-BC-Ellsworth track and cross country coach, accepted the award for his father, who passed away Nov. 12, 1997.Tom Goehle also did a one-hour presentation on the 800-meter run during the clinic portion of the event, and LHS assistant Gordie Hansen did a one-hour presentation on throwing events.

Now that it is February, the light at the end of the winter tunnel is shining longer and brighter. There isn’t much good to say about January. Sure, there is the start of the New Year, and some of you get a day off work for Martin Luther King Day. My wife and I had our second child in the month of January 25 years ago, and my mother’s birthday is near the end of the month. Other than that, the best thing about January is that it’s past for another year.In recent years, however, January seems to be working on improving its nasty weather reputation. January 2006 is in the record books for just about everything. New records have been set in high highs and record high lows. In today’s Star Herald the local monthly weather data for January has been compiled for us by Troy Thone. It appears January’s self-improvement plan is working.If we keep having this kind of January, I’ll have to change my tune and pick on another month. For the record, my second least favorite month is September. My animosities toward September aren’t weather-related but more so because of what September signifies. September means the end of summer. It is time to start putting away all the summer toys and start thinking about the winter toys we haven’t been able to use in recent years because of the January self-improvement kick.If you’re a kid, September means the start of school and I don’t know about you, but for me, back in the day, that wasn’t cool.If January keeps working on its self-improvement plan, about the best thing you’ll be able to say about September is that January is just around the corner.

In a recent letter to this publication the writer indicated that there were no "facts" that indicated the negative effects of secondhand smoke. As an avid proponent of the Luverne smoking ban in public places, I would simply like to provide a fact that proves the above statement false.According to Dr. Stanton Glantz, director of the Center for Tobacco Control, Research and Education at the University of California, San Francisco, "young women exposed to secondhand smoke increase their risk of developing breast cancer between 68 percent and 120 percent." (AP/CBS 01/27/06)Personally, I would consider this a negative effect of secondhand smoke. Of course, I expect everyone to make the decision for themselves on this issue. Just realize that, yes, there are negative effects to secondhand smoke and, no, not everyone wants to be exposed to them. Kjerstee Saarloos

By: Lexi MooreAdministration and staff at the Tuff Memorial Home in Hills were given something new to celebrate last week. The nursing home was recognized as one of the top in the state.The Minnesota Nursing Home Report Card is the first of its kind in the nation, and this is the first year Minnesota has used it.It was published by the Minnesota Department of Health and is available online at www.health.state.mn.us/nhrepartcard. The report card uses a star method to rank data such as hours of direct care, staff turnover, proportion of single rooms and state inspection results. Tuff received 33 out of 40 stars. The home rated above average in six of the eight categories.Director Dana Dahlquist explains why he feels the home performed so well."The report card results reflect what a great staff there is at the home, and we appreciate their efforts," he said. "That’s really what makes us good."Gov. Tim Pawlenty introduced the idea of a nursing home report card during his 2004 State of the State address.The state hired a professional firm to interview residents on their quality of life, including comfort, privacy, dignity and security."People who live in the homes can tell us a great deal about how they feel about their comfort and quality of care," Human Services Commissioner Kevin Goodno said in a press release. "These survey results give consumers an insider’s perspective on life in the facilities. This kind of information provides a rich foundation for the objective data in the report card."Residents were even asked about things such as meaningful activities, food enjoyment and spiritual well-being.Residents of Tuff rated the facility with five stars, the highest possible. Dahlquist said he was proud of the results of these interviews.The nursing home also received five stars for its state inspection results, which cover care-related citations.The two categories where the home received three stars each, meeting the state’s average, were staff turnover and staff retention.Dahlquist explains that these scores reflect the home’s position on hiring high school workers. The workers resign from their positions when they leave for college. As for administration, personnel most have been with the home for years."All of our main staff has stayed on board for many years, especially our department heads."Although Dahlquist said he likes the concept of the report card and is pleased with the results Tuff received, he encourages future residents and families to visit homes in the area when making new living decisions."The best thing you can do is visit each home and see the staff and people for yourself."The Minnesota Department of Health is responsible for licensing and inspecting nursing homes and certifies them for participation in the federal Medicare and Medicaid programs. The department also investigates complaints against nursing homes.The Department of Human Services is responsible for developing and interpreting policy concerning nursing home services, quality of care and rates. DHS also administers the Medical Assistance program, which in 2005 paid $425 million in state funds for nursing home services.

By Lexi MooreFund-raising keeps youth organizations afloat. Although most groups collect small fees from their members to help cover the costs of activities, treats and projects, they still have to find a way to raise additional dollars.During the upcoming weeks, two local organizations, Girl Scouts and Rock County 4-H, will be running fund-raising campaigns in the Crescent reading area.4-H "Fruit and More" SaleCloverbuds in kindergarten through second grade and 4-Hers in third grade and up will sell assorted boxes of mouthwatering fruit, along with popcorn, cheese, beef sticks, pickled herring and a variety of frozen foods.Supporters can purchase fruit boxes that include apples, oranges, pears and grapefruit. The prices range from $9 for a half box of pears to $23.50 for a full box of oranges. Mixed boxes start at $17.Last year in Rock County, 4-Hers earned a profit of $9,366. Four percent of their earnings, $374.64, helped pay for members of the group to attend camp, the state fair, and partially cover the costs of project meetings and day camps."When a 4-H member first approaches a customer, their knees may be shaking and they may be a bit tongue-tied," said Deb DenHerder at the Rock County Extension Office. "However, with a little experience they begin to build up confidence dealing with people. This is an important skill when dealing with the ‘real world’." Local 4-H leaders have been organizing this sale for over two decades. It provides 4-H members with a chance to build confidence, develop positive people skills, overcome shyness and keep organized.In addition to reinforcing qualities learned at 4-H meetings, members will learn to take time to make sure their orders are correct.This provides a good basis for the organizational skills needed in all aspects of life.When residents open their pocket books to the 4-H sellers, they are benefiting, too. "You will also have the opportunity to receive some nutritious mouth-watering fruit, or some topping-laden pizzas, or some delectable pies or cheesecakes."Products are available until Feb. 20. The delivery of food is scheduled for March 17.Call the Rock County Extension Office at 283-1302 to schedule a visit from a local 4-H representative.Girl Scouts offer a sweeter saleWhen Elizabeth Ranfranz decided her daughter would benefit from participating in Girl Scouts, she did not realize the costs that would be involved in being the Scout leader.Girl Scouts Troop 805 now has seven members, and the cost of holding meetings and planning activities continues to increase. The national Girl Scouts organization offers local troops one major fund-raiser per year – the cookie sale.Troop 805 began selling cookies for $3.50 a box on Jan. 27. The sale lasts through Feb. 15 and Ranfranz warns that the group will not be able to sell cookies after the cutoff date. Payment will be due the first week of March, when the cookies are delivered.The national organization promotes the activity of selling cookies as directly related to their purpose of helping girls realize their full potential and become strong, confident and resourceful citizens.Each chapter is given the chance to set their own prices. The group assures all of the proceeds they earn will stay in the local community. This encourages goal setting, money management and teamwork.The money earned by Troop 805 will help the group recruit additional members, improve Scouts activities, keep event fees at a minimum and sponsor special projects

Frank Top, 85, Marshfield, Mo., died Saturday, Jan. 28, 2006, in Marshfield Care Center.Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 3, in the Hills United Reformed Church, Hills. Interment will follow in the Christian Reformed Cemetery.Mr. Top was a retired farmer and member of the Niangua United Methodist Church. He was also a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.Survivors are his wife, Evelyn; one daughter, Linda Doumas; two granddaughters, Kari Kooiman and Kelli Ivy; two brothers, Bernard Top and Marinus Top; and two sisters, Jennie Top Vander Wal, and Joan Top Fransman.He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Jennie Top; his wife Eleanor; a son, Lee Top; six brothers, Albert, Henry, Clarence, John, Ralph, and Herman Top; and a sister, Jennet Top Van Holland.Fraker Funeral Home of Marshfield is in charge of arrangements.

Darlene Iona Anderson, 87, Luverne, died Friday, Jan. 27, 2006, at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D.Funeral services were Monday, Jan. 30, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills, with the Rev. Lowell Berg officiating. Burial was at Flowerfield Cemetery near Hills.Darlene Moon was born July 18, 1918, in Sioux Falls, S.D., to Allen and Leona (Puckett) Moon. She attended school in Sioux Falls and graduated from Washington High School in 1937. She married Elmer Anderson on Aug. 18, 1937, at the First Christian Church in Sioux Falls. They moved to Luverne in 1968. Elmer Anderson died in March 1971 as the result of a car accident. Mrs. Anderson continued to live in Luverne. She married her husband’s first cousin, Arthur Anderson, on June 14, 1975, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills. The couple lived in Luverne. They were retired and enjoyed traveling. Arthur Anderson died Jan. 24, 1994. She continued to live in Luverne.Mrs. Anderson was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hills and joined Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills when the churches merged. She was active in Ladies Aid, Circle and the church board. She taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and led Bible studies. She served on the Flowerfield Cemetery board for a number of years. She called for bingo at the Senior Center and Mary Jane Brown Good Samaritan Home. She was a member of the Kitchen Band, RSVP, Pink Ladies, Rock County Fair Board, Republican Party and volunteered at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne.She loved traveling and visited all 50 states and many countries around the world. She also enjoyed spending winters in Texas, journaling, reading, playing games with her family, and watching the Minnesota Twins.Mrs. Anderson is survived by her son Jack (Doris) Anderson, Nevis; two daughters, Judy (Melvin) Elbers, Round Rock, Texas, and Victoria Throop, Fairbanks, Alaska; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two stepdaughters, Joan (Ed) Perry, Las Vegas, Nev., and Becky (John) Steffes, Wauwautosa, Wis.; many stepgrandchildren and stepgreat-grandchildren; two brothers, Allen (Mary) Moon, Sioux Falls, and Morris (Carol) Moon, Wilmot, S.D.; and other family and friends.She was preceded in death by her two husbands; one stepdaughter, Emily Radi; and three brothers, William, Kenneth, and Francis Moon.Hartquist Funeral Home, Engebretson Chapel, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.

Grace Brandt, 90, Rock Rapids, Iowa, died Monday, Jan. 23, 2006, at the Rock Rapids Health Care Centre in Rock Rapids. Services were Thursday, Jan. 26, at Holy Name Catholic Church in Rock Rapids with the Rev. Jeff Schleisman officiating.Grace Brandt was born Sept. 14, 1915, in Woonsocket, S.D. to Henry and Amelia (Knute) Spies. She attended country school and helped her parents on the family farm. In 1933 she and her family moved to Granite Falls, where they continued to farm. She married Leonard Brandt Sept. 10, 1934, in Milbank, S.D. They lived in Granite Falls until 1942, when they moved to Rock Rapids. She worked as a bookkeeper for an independent producer and later sold retail at Bernsteins and Rose Store in Rock Rapids for many years. Shortly before retirement she worked in the assembly line at K Products in Rock Rapids. Mr. Brandt died Jan. 26, 1971. She moved to Rock Rapids Health Centre in September 2005.Mrs. Brandt was a member of the Holy Name Catholic Church in Rock Rapids and active in the Saint Catherine Society. She was an avid bowler and continued bowling until she was 85. She enjoyed flower gardening, arts and crafts and bingo.She is survived by two daughters, Patricia (Edward) Lens, Beaver Creek, and Karen Lens, Rock Rapids; eight grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, one sister, Florence Springer, Marshall; one sister-in-law, Mabel Brandt, Granite Falls; and several nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, four sisters, Edna Plasky, Ella Budde, Elma Peters and Wilma Stange, and three brothers, Robert Spies, Albert Spies and William Spies.Roste Funeral Home of Rock Rapids was in charge of arrangements.

10 years ago (1996)"When Matt Ebert returned home last weekend, after spending five months in Washington, D.C., he returned having lived a dream which he hopes will soon be his future. Ebert was one of only 30 high school juniors in the nation selected for the semester-long United States Senate Page Program." 25 years ago (1981)"This year, Hills-Beaver Creek has hired Mrs. Cyndi Ebert as the guidance counselor in addition to her English and German teaching assignments.Mrs. Ebert graduated from Minot Sate College in 1970. She has also been doing graduate work at Augustana College and South Dakota State University." 50 years ago (1956)"The Betty Crocker Homemaker of Tomorrow in Hills High School is Carol Jean Nelson. She received the highest score in a written examination which tested the homemaking knowledge and attitudes of senior girls in the graduating class. She will be entered in competition to name the state’s candidate for the title of All-American Homemaker of Tomorrow …Carol’s plan for the future include college and a career in home economics." 75 years ago (1931)" ‘Old Timers’ as well as ‘Young Timers’ who get a kick out of ‘old stuff’ might be interested in the discussion of ‘Locating Historic Places in Rock County,’ which will be a feature of the program planned by the society for Monday evening, February 2nd, in the Commercial Club Rooms at Luverne.Some old Rock County residents recall the old mill site on the Rock River, the Estey dug-out, the Indian Mounds in Battle Plain township, the cave occupied by the James Bros. following the Northfield robbery, etc."100 years ago (1906)"The Crescent has taken up this matter of telephone charges between here and Beaver Creek with F.W. George, Superintendent of the Western Electric Telephone Co. of Mason City, Iowa, and that gentleman admits that the charge of thirty-five cents is excessive as compared with the charge of fifteen cents to Luverne. He give us a reason that it is necessary to use two different systems by transferring at Luverne in order to get to Beaver Creek. However, Mr. George has promised to endeavor to have the rate adjusted, and The Crescent can assure him that any relief he can secure will be greatly appreciated by a large number of telephone patrons."