By Lexi MooreA Thanksgiving Day fire in Hills destroyed the home of George Reining.A cell phone user reported the fire to the Rock Country Sheriff’s Department at 2:59 p.m. on Thursday. Firefighters from Hills, Beaver Creek, Lester, Iowa, and Luverne responded to the call and battled the blaze until 5:30 p.m.Reining left in the morning to spend the holiday with relatives, so he wasn’t home when the fire started.He lives alone in the house with his pet dog, which was reportedly lost in the blaze.Members of the Hills Fire Department returned to the scene around 7 p.m. following a 6:46 call to the Sheriff’s Department reporting smoke coming from the home.Hills Fire Chief Jeff Bass said the smoke was the result of a small flare up.Bass reports that the fire was caused by an electrical problem in the wall and spread quickly throughout the house.Reining had been remodeling the home during the past two years. Debris and materials in the house from remodeling projects aided in the spread of the fire and caused the smoke to be extremely toxic.The building lost its roof and second floor supports during the fire and is uninhabitable.Opportunities to helpThe Hills Fireman’s Auxiliary and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans are planning fund-raisers and donation drives to help Reining deal with the tragedyThe fire destroyed all of his possessions, furniture, tools and clothing. Family members searched through the remains of the home over the weekend and recovered some family photos, but little else.The Hills Fireman’s Auxiliary has organized a donation drive for Reining. Members of the Auxiliary will be collecting items and cash donations at the Fire Hall in Hills on Dec. 12.His niece said, "He needs everything. You’d be surprised how much a person uses everyday."Lisa Durst of the Fireman’s Auxiliary is encouraging residents in the area to donate items during their donation drive."This is the time when we, as a community, need to come together," Durst said."He needs a bed, robe, shoes — it’s winter and he lost his coat and boots."Personal items and seasonal clothing are at the top of the list of needed items. Reining’s relatives provided the following list of sizes.
Shirts medium to large
Shoes 10.5-11In addition, the Auxiliary plans to donate money raised at their holiday bake sale during the Hills Community Club Customer Appreciation Night.A benefit pancake and sausage supper at the Hills American Legion on Dec. 8 is being planned with support from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

Hills-Beaver Creek Dist. 671Minutes11-08-05The Hills-Beaver Creek School Board met for its semimonthly meeting at 8:15 p.m. in the library in Hills.Board members present were Leuthold, Baker, Boeve, Harnack, DeBoer, Esselink and Crawford. Superintendent Deragisch and Principal Holthaus were also in attendance. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Harnack. Visitors to the meeting were recognized by the chairman. The only visitor was Lexi Moore of The Crescent. Motion by Baker, second by Esselink, and carried to approve the agenda.Elementary 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 DeBoer, second by Crawford, and carried to approve the bills. Motion by Crawford, second by Leuthold, and carried to approve the Assurance of Compliance with State and Federal Laws Regarding Discrimination.Snow removal bids were opened. Three bids were received.Arlen Leenderts Erwin’s Serv Mike SpathNE parking lot $45/hrNW parking lot $40/hr $80/hrS of school $80/hrBus garage area $20/hr $80/hr $10/hrMotion by Crawford, second by Esselink, and carried to award to Mike Spath the NE parking lot at $45 per hour and the bus garage area for a flat fee of $10, Erwin’s Service the parking area south of the school for $80 per hour, and Arlen Leenderts the NW parking lot for $40 per hour. These bids are accepted for the 2005-06 winter season.The votes for the school board election were canvassed. Hills Beaver Creek Steen TOTALTim Baker 112 45 26 183Harley Fransman 106 45 30 181Chris Harnack 111 48 31 190Lois Leuthold 105 32 25 162Stuart Leuthold 74 27 15 116Motion by Esselink, second by Crawford, and carried to approve the vote electing the top four candidates Harley Fransman, Tim Baker, Chris Harnack, and Lois Leuthold to the H-BC school board for a four-year term.Discussion was held about a possible computer lease.Update was given on the Microsoft-MN settlement.Dates to Remember: November 21 School Board meetingMeeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m.Ann Boeve, Clerk(12-1)

Owen Lee Stangeland, 94, Hills, formerly of Luverne, died Monday, Nov. 28, 2005, at Tuff Memorial Home in Hills. Services were Saturday, Dec. 3, at First Baptist Church in Luverne. The Rev. Greg Standafer officiated. Burial was at Luverne Memorial Gardens in rural Luverne. Owen Stangeland was born to Nel and Belle Stangeland on Jan. 11, 1911, in Lismore Township, Nobles County. He graduated from Adrian High School and attended Augsburg College in Minneapolis. After completing one year of college he returned home to help his mother and brother on the family farm during the 1930s.He married Florence Mulder on Dec. 1, 1934, at the church parsonage in Worthington. They farmed the family farm near Lismore until 1971. They moved to Luverne in 1971. He worked for Hanson Silo Company another 10 years. They enjoyed traveling and visiting their children. He continued to live in Luverne after Mrs. Stangeland’s death on Aug. 9, 1989.He married Mildred Klosterberg on June 1, 1991, at First Baptist Church in Luverne. Thy enjoyed traveling with tour groups and visiting family. After a lengthy illness Mr. Stangeland died June 27, 1997. He moved to Tuff Memorial Home in Hills on Oct. 13, 2003. He was a member of First Baptist church in Luverne for 60 years where he served as a deacon and trustee. He served on the Adrian School Board. He was a great support to his children in all their church, school and 4-H activities. Survivors include two sons, Virgil (Beverly) Stangeland, Willmar, and Joel (Mariann) Stangeland, White Bear Lake; two daughters, Wyonne (John) Goodwin, Raleigh, N.C., and Cynthia (Joe) Glanzer, Littleton, Colo.; 11 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; three stepsons, Jerry (Dorothy) Klosterberg, Luverne, Duane (Janice) Klosterberg, Steen, and Robert (Leigh) Klosterberg, Sioux Falls, S.D.; one stepdaughter, Carol (Henry) Zwaan, Steen; 15 stepgrandchildren; 20 stepgreat-grandchildren; three stepgreat-great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Stangeland was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Florence, his wife, Mildred, two infant brothers, three brothers, Arthur, Leonard and Melvin, three sisters, Nora, Sarah and Thora and one son-in-law, Donald Hamann. Dingmann Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.

10 years ago (1995)"With building plans waiting for review from the State Department of Education, the Hills-Beaver Creek Board of Education took the opportunity to look at technology within the district.Roger Jackson gave the board a report on the status of technology at both the elementary and secondary buildings. Jackson asked the board to consider assembling a technology committee to be made up of a broad range of people within the district."25 years ago (1980)"Rep. Wendell Erickson recently received the Honorary American Farmer Degree at the National Future Farmers of America convention in Kansas City, Mo." 50 years ago (1955)"There will be more than the usual interest in the Village Election this year, apparently, for the two top offices on the ticket both have opposition. The election is set for next Tuesday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the council rooms. Filing for re-election as mayor for a two-year term is George Schlueter, and his opponent will be Marinus Schouwenburg who has also filed for the job. On the ticket for councilman, for a term of three years will be C.B. Sjolseth who has filed for re-election, opposed by Grant Hellie and Frank Ver Hey.75 years ago (1930)"The election in Hills last Tuesday was pulled off without the blaring of trumpets and beating of drums. Really, the silence was oppressive, and the only thing that reminded the citizens there was something doing at the city hall was a display of the Stars and Stripes over the front entrance.The following were elected: F.C. Nuffer, president; A. Kirsch, trustee for three years; O.J. Nash, clerk for two years; Peter Bush and Helmer Nerison, constables for two years. 100 years ago (1905)"Post office robbers and safe crackers are getting quite active over in South Dakota. The last three towns visited are Tea, Colton and Humboldt. At Humboldt’s post office they secured only six cents for their trouble."

Lois and Ray Nelson attended the Nov. 20th Sunday afternoon concert of the Sioux Empire Brass Society at the Brandon Performing Arts Center, Brandon, S.D. The concert was a pre-Christmas brass and percussion performance. The director was retired Harry "Doc" Krueger.Evelyn Rogness recently had family come from Litchfield to spend the day. Ray and Janet (Evelyn’s niece) Slater and Steve and Andy were able to spend Sunday, Nov. 13, with Evelyn and they had a very nice day together. Sunday, Nov. 20th, found 5-year-old Cheyenne Albers of Hills participating in the Midwest Dance Center’s recital during the Festival of Trees at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. Cheyenne performed ballet and hip-hop. Family members who attended her recital were: Marvin, June, Lonnie, Jeremy, JJ, and Tabitha Albers. Cheryl Pavel and her cousin, Lucinda Albers, from South Dakota State University, Brookings. S.D. All of the young people did very well and the entire recital was great! Alice Kolsrud of Hills and Kent and Paula Kolsrud and children, Sioux Falls, were guests in the home of Harlan and Bonnie Kolsrud of Worthington on Wednesday, Nov. 23, in the evening when they celebrated their Thanksgiving together. Wednesday, Nov. 23, the Hills Christian School children visited Tuff Village where they sang, performed a skit and played a band number for the residents. They performed Thanksgiving numbers and had a very good time entertaining everyone. Wednesday, Nov. 23rd, Lonnie Albers’ children arrived to spend the holiday with him. Christopher, Spearfish, S.D., Heather, Rapid City S.D., and Zachary and Thomas, Gregory, S.D., all spent the weekend with their dad and visiting grandma and grandpa, June and Marvin Albers, and aunt Cheryl Pavel. They all left for home on Sunday, Nov. 27, and had a good drive home.Thursday, Nov. 24, Marie and Del Walraven and Bob and Shirley Walraven and family motored to Omaha, Neb., for a Barents Thanksgiving family gathering at the Paul Leaders home. Thanksgiving Day festivities for the Marvin and June Albers family were celebrated with dinner out and that evening Lonnie Albers and family and Cheryl Pavel and Cheyenne all gathered at Marv and June’s and played cards and visited. Friday, Nov. 25, Dennis Roning celebrated Thanksgiving with his daughter and son-in-law, Deneise and William Swanson and granddaughter, Lucy. Dennis’ family traveled to Hills from Big Fork and stayed until Sunday when they drove back home. Saturday, Nov. 26, Cheryl Pavel and Cheyenne, hosted an evening lunch for family followed by many rousing card games. The following family members were: Cheryl’s parents Marvin and June Albers, Lonnie (brother), Christopher, Zachary, Thomas (nephews), and Heather, Lucinda, Abby (nieces). Lucinda Albers is a student of journalism at SDSU and Abby Albers is a state employee from Ft. Pierre. All of the young people traveled home on Sunday to Gregory, Rapid City, Spearfish, Brookings and Ft. Pierre. The only one who had any problem was Abby going to Ft. Pierre. It took them seven hours to get home on Sunday. Sunday, Nov. 27, visitors of Alice Kolsrud of Hills were David and Char Kolsrud and Chris of Beaver Creek and also Jill Kolsrud who was home from Charlotte, N.C. They all had a very good day together. It’s not too late to report your Thanksgiving news to Cheryl Pavel for next week’s issue of the Crescent. Give Cheryl a call at 962-3344 before Monday, Dec. 5.

By Sara QuamEach year, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs provides information on the economic effects veterans make in their community through federal and state programs that provide income, medical care and nursing home care to veterans and their dependents.Minnesota Veterans Affairs Commissioner Clark Dyrud wrote a letter to Rock County Commissioners. "Your County Veterans Service Office is an incredible asset to the economy of your county," Dyrud wrote."An active Veterans Service Office dramatically increases the use of these programs, since veterans are not aware of the range and scope of benefits available to them and their dependents."Following are the 2004 and 2005 figures of benefits received by veterans in Rock County:
There were 839 veterans in Rock County in 2004.
In 2003, the amount of compensation and pension to veterans in Rock County was $1,281,327.
In 2004, the amount of compensation and pension to veterans was $1,380,344.
The VA Regional Office spent $1,640 per veteran in Rock County in 2003 and $1,804 in 2004.
The VA Medical Center spent $5,882 per veteran in Rock County in 2003 and $5,128 per person in 2004.
The actual number of veterans visiting the VA Medical Center was 221 in 2003 and 224 in 2004.
The total amount of federal and state dollars the county received through veterans benefits was $2,675,557 in 2003 and $2,631,509 in 2004.

10 years ago (1995)
Rural Connections, Jackson, has signed a contract with Berkley Information Services, Luverne, to bring Internet access to the company and, thus, to Rock County. People can communicate over the Internet and can read newspaper, and listen to radio and television broadcasts.
A Jasper company called Hi-Fat Specialties, owned by Ron Sievert, is a pioneer in soybean processing. 25 years ago (1980)
The city of Luverne is asking the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to ease up on standards for discharging treated sewer water back into the Rock River. The city says it already pumps more clean water into the river than is already in the river.
County commissioners said they would offer a bigger schedule for the senior citizen mini bus. 50 years ago (1955)
Two inductees from Rock County for the armed forces are Walter Baustian and Franklin Dirks.
Luverne will be visited by all children’s favorite actor in the Christmas season play when old Santa Claus himself comes to town. Drawings for free merchandise prizes donated by Luverne merchants will be after the program at the circus stand.
A total of 101 deer hunting permits were sold through the Rock County Auditor’s Office for this season. 75 years ago (1930)
Plans for organizing a Community Glee Club were considered at a meeting of singers held Thursday evening of last week. The club is to constitute a unit of the United Norwegian Singers of America and will affiliate with the national society.
Five Rock County men were arrested in a prohibition enforcement wave.
A recreational firm from Sioux Falls has installed an 18-hole indoor miniature golf course at the Luverne Armory, which will be opened to the public. It will be maintained throughout the winter if it proves to be a paying proposition.100 years ago (1905)
The Episcopal Church society has purchased the residence of W.E.E. Greene at the corner of Estey and Crawford streets, for the purposes of a parsonage.
H. Bierkamp, who owns the livery barn property on the corner of McKenzie and Lincoln streets, is having extensive improvements made in the property, which has been vacant for some time.

By Lori EhdeRising energy prices are fueling the search for alternative heating mechanisms, and rural residents are turning to a source close to home — corn. A Lismore couple has been selling corn-burning stoves since 2001, and suddenly they’re finding they can’t keep up with demand."This went absolutely wild," Nancy Brake said. "Business has been picking up steadily, but this year it just blew out of the water. And it was frustrating, because we couldn’t keep up with demand."Lismore farmers Nancy and Jack Brake are dealers for two corn-burning stove companies, Countryside Stoves (a division of American Energy Systems in Hutchinson) and St. Croix Corn Burning Stoves (manufactured by Eventemp Corp in Waco, Neb.)Their dealership area reaches as far north as Pipestone, as far east as Jackson, as far west as the South Dakota border and south just into Iowa.Last year the Brakes sold 35 stoves, and this year more than 40 since August."We have 20 people on a waiting list," Nancy said. "We’re putting them in as fast as we can get them."A big selling point for the stoves is that they can save 50 percent on an average home’s heating bills, largely because heating fuel prices have risen so sharply this year.Shelled corn is worth about $1.43 per bushel, and a corn-burning stove takes about a bushel per day for an average home.One bushel of shelled corn is equal to about 5.5 gallons of LP, in terms of heating units. A gallon of LP now costs $1.35. For the Brakes, who raise corn on their farm, their heating costs amount to what it cost to raise the corn. "We always say, if you aren’t a farmer, make friends with a farmer," Nancy said.The environmental benefits of burning corn are another selling point for the Brakes."They burn clean, they’re efficient and they don’t pollute groundwater," Nancy said.Plus, she said, there’s no dependence on foreign oil. "We’re the Saudi Arabia of corn," she said of the Midwest.In the early years of American corn production, pioneers knew corn burned hot and offered good fuel for heating. But it wasn’t until recently that technology allowed for corn to be a viable heating source. The secret to efficient corn burning that the pioneers didn’t have access to was a controlled air flow and augers timed to feed the corn into the fire pot safely and efficiently.An auger slowly feeds corn into a burning pit. The faster it’s set to burn, the warmer the house gets, depending on the thermostat.Corn-burning stoves look like traditional wood-burning units, and prices range from about $1,300 to more than $3,000, depending on the size of the house and vent work needed.The Brakes can be reached at jnbrake@yahoo.com.

By Lori EhdeA rural house near Hills will need to be destroyed after authorities seized a meth lab on the property last week.Charlie and Dawn Sandager, Hills, were renting an acreage to Donald Wilson and Darwin Otten, who were arrested on Nov. 12 on meth-related charges.As property owners, the Sandagers are by law responsible for the cost of decontaminating the property, and they’ve decided not to do it."It just isn’t worth it," Charlie Sandager said Friday. "I just think this law kind of sucks."For every one pound of meth produced, five to six pounds of toxic waste are generated, and taxpayers used to be saddled with the cost of cleanup.Minnesota law requires that rental properties are cleaned if they’ve housed known meth labs. And cleaning to the specifications of the law is a costly process — up to $10,000, depending on the size of the home.Rock County passed an ordinance last year that puts the burden of cleanup cost on property owners."In the end, the property owner is left with the mess," said Nobles-Rock Public Health Sanitarian Jason Kloss. "They need to keep track of who they rent to. It’s very risky."He met last week with the Sandagers at the acreage, which is located in Section 17 of Martin Township.He said the first step of the process is to determine if the house needs to be cleaned, and that requires a $1,000 test up front."In law enforcement interviews with the suspects, we know they did most of their cooking in the outbuildings," Kloss said. "But they probably smoked (meth) in the house."Sandager said the house — a two-story, typical farm house — is run-down as it is, so the plan is to destroy it."I don’t see myself as a victim here," he said. "The house wasn’t worth anything when we first got it, and Donny did a lot to fix it up and clean up the place. … The real victims here are the kids. I didn’t want to evict them while the kids were living there."The kids are now living in Valley Springs, so Sandager said he now just feels bad for the addicts."I feel bad that he exposed the community to all this," Sandager said. "You always kind of hope they can turn around and make something of their lives."The Sandagers described Wilson as a nice man who has rented the property since the early 1990s, but this was the fourth search warrant executed on the property since 2000. Three were for controlled substance crimes and one for stolen property.The Nov. 12 search was the first to produce an active meth lab.In addition to recovering a 9 millimeter handgun, a long list of items used to manufacture meth were also seized, mostly in a shop and corn crib on the premises.The list includes, for example, starter fluid, paint stripper, acetone, pseudoephedrine, glass jars, rubber gloves, coffee filters, lithium batteries, drain opener, anhydrous ammonia tanks, a hot grill, a bong and miscellaneous containers with colored, layered mixtures.The Sandagers will notify Wilson and Otten of a reasonable time frame to remove personal belongings before the house is destroyed.On Monday, Nov. 14, Wilson, 50, was charged with first-degree controlled substance crime for manufacturing meth and fifth-degree controlled substance crime for possessing meth.Otten, 45, was charged with two first-degree controlled substance crimes — one for attempted manufacture of meth and one for conspiracy to produce meth (for possessing the precursors to produce meth). He was also charged with fifth-degree controlled substance crime for possessing meth.They remain in custody at the Prairie Justice Center, Worthington. Wilson is being held on a $20,000 bond and Otten has a bond of $5,000.