I spent much of my Memorial Day in the Luverne, Ellsworth and Ash Creek area visiting family.I visited Maplewood, St. Catherine’s and the State Line cemeteries. I was so impressed with all three cemeteries. They were absolutely beautiful with all the flowers and mowed and trimmed to perfection. These communities are to be commended for doing such fine work in honoring those that have fought for our country and those that have gone before us.Marvin BoelmanSioux City, Iowa

10 years ago (1995)"Steve Wiertzema, H-BC High School’s athletic director, was honored as Worthington Community College’s Alumni Coach of the Year Tuesday, May 23, at WCC’s All-Sports Athletic banquet." 25 years ago (1980)"The Hills-Beaver Creek Patriot runners gave their effort at the state track meet this week and brought home a first place trophy and a second place trophy for those efforts.The medley relay team brought the first place trophy home to H-BC. Doug Deragisch turned in 23.7, Craig Olson turned in 23.6, Mike Elbers came in with a 50.6 on the third leg and Durant Kruger crossed the tape in 1.57.23 to bring the medley time to 3.35.13 for the state win." 50 years ago (1955)"Voters of District 79 School District chose to have their board of education issue bonds in the amount not to exceed $180,000 last Friday night, when they voted 234 in favor of the issue to 205 against. …At present, the architects, Wm. Beuttler of Sioux City, are making up the working plans for the building additions. It is expected that this work will take from six to eight weeks to complete."75 years ago (1930)"G.G. Sundem accompanied by J.O. Jacobson and J.M. Johnson attended a meeting of the Federal Land Bank at Mankato Tuesday. It was their unanimous opinion in commenting on the crops that Rock county again heads them all." 100 years ago (1905)"A.M. Sayre, as attorney for the estate of his brother, Thomas Sayre, has been successful in securing a settlement with the Illinois Central Railway Company and has received the company’s check for $2,400 and which is considered a very advantageous settlement, Thomas Sayre, it will be remembered, was killed by a train last fall on the crossing near the Viste farm where the approaching trains are obscured by a willow hedge."

I spent Memorial weekend with various members of my family at the Little Bend Bait Shop on the Oahe Reservoir 25 miles north of Pierre, S.D.The Oahe Reservoir was formed when the Missouri River was dammed in the 50's to help with flood control for some of the downstream states, such as Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois, where the Missouri River joins the Mississippi. Lake Oahe is the largest reservoir created by an earthen rolled dam in the world. There is little industry besides fishing on the Missouri River north of Sioux City, IA, so that the water is unpolluted and is an eco-system that supports many species of fish and other wildlife. My wildlife tally for this weekend includes turkeys, pheasants, a litter of kittens, longhorn cattle, regular cows, a prairie dog, gophers, buzzards, hawks, deer, a beaver, wild horses, fish of many species and two different snakes. Plus the sounds of what had to be dozens of coyotes.The lake is nearly 250 miles long, has approximately 2,500 miles of shoreline and is deeper than 200 feet in places.The Little Bend Bait Shop, where I spent my mini-vacation, is located at the top of a big hill overlooking the area where the lake meets with the mouth of the Cheyenne River and offers spectacular views of the region’s pristine landscape.The bait shop is owned by my grandfather, respectfully called Grandpa Stumpy, and is operated by my mother’s only sibling, Rocky Alexander. Of course, he is helped by a menagerie of generous family members, including his wife and sons, the youngest of whom is pictured at left with a northern pike he caught on Memorial Day morning.My family’s vacation trailer sits with about 15 others along the cliffs that overlook the river and is my father’s idea of the perfect place on earth.Within the walls of my grandfather’s bait shop, fishing stories are big business. You need to have hundreds of them and swear that every one is true. After spending three days in and around the bait shop, I feel compelled to share my new fishing story, and unfortunately it involves a RATTLESNAKE.After five hours on the water with my husband, older brother and father, we decided to beach the boat on the bank of a 50-foot hill to let my brother’s dog out for a run.I got out, eager to relieve myself and do some quick rock and fossil hunting.As I went to find a private area, I was scanning the ground for jade, rose quartz, bone or any other cool piece of history when my eyes scanned across a very large, GIANT, brown snake.I pulled the scream-and-run-away bit, because I was terrified. I knew I was in rattlesnake country and wanted nothing to do with that brown serpent. I wanted back in the boat where I would be safe.My older brother came over to confirm the sighting and decided the best action in this situation would be to throw a rock at the snake, just to make sure it was a rattler.Sure enough, after the rock was thrown and made contact, the slithering monster hissed, rattled and tried to strike. At that point my brother left it alone because he needed to keep his beloved dog out of harm’s way.Not even a minute later, my husband, who had missed most of the snake-related events because he was hiking up the hill, spotted a snake leaving shore and swimming across the bay.Indeed, it was the same snake I had seen. It was swimming for safety. I must admit that as scary as snakes are, they are pretty dumb. The water was just over 50 degrees and the air was colder than that, so I think within 20 feet the serpent was regretting its decision to flee via the water and was attempting to return to shore.Being terrified of snakes, I didn’t like this situation and was still encouraging my fellow fisherman to return to the boat and leave unharmed. Of course, men, especially fishermen, don’t like to listen to scared women so they watched as the snake got closer to shore.Suddenly my father got the brilliant idea to throw rocks at the rattler to keep it from approaching us or his boat.After the men in my life had hurled a dozen or so rocks, the snake resembled Ka from Disney’s The Jungle Book movie. His body was bent out of place and he wasn’t moving.Feeling triumphant, everyone boarded the boat and headed out of the bay. As we glided past the snake’s body, it suddenly snapped back to life, a stiff head followed us as we went by and then it was gone. It disappeared under the water about a foot off shore —never to be seen again, except in my dreams.We continued on our fishing journey and ended up catching the biggest walleye in the lake.Returning to nature for awhile can add years to one’s life; fighting snakes and watching wild animals frolic cannot be experienced at a zoo. The land surrounding the Oahe Reservoir looks untouched by man; it is nature in a very pure sense. Thank goodness, rattlesnakes like it there and not in Minnesota.Story ideas or comments can be emailed to Lexi Moore at lexim@star-herald.com or called in at 962-3561.

Let’s get acquainted!New people in Hills are Jon and Kim Ehlers who have officially moved to Hills. They came from Parkston, S.D., and are getting settled in the former Ebert home, which they purchased last year. Kim and their son, Austin, have been living here since January when Austin enrolled in the Hills-Beaver Creek School. He will be a fourth grader in September. They have one other child, Stacey, who was a senior and graduated from Parkston High School. She will be going to college this fall. Kim works for Town and Country Realtors in Sioux Falls, S.D. Jon is in carpentry.Also, the new resident in the former Margaret Bakker home is David Top, who comes to Hills from Steen. He is employed at New Prairie Insulation in Beaver Creek.In one of the Solberg houses is Ron Solberg’s uncle, Elmer Neset who is 81 and comes to Hills from Crookston. Twenty-nine seniors graduated Friday night from Hills-Beaver Creek High School. Some of the parties and receptions for them were given that evening and also on Saturday.The Rez Park wasn’t lonely this past Memorial Day weekend, as a motor home and a tent were parked there, and folks, especially the younger generation, were throwing out their fish lines. People were out there investigating the new dock which is handicap-accessible and is a good improvement. The Beaver Creek Sportsman’s Club is to be commended for getting the project started. The Falls Park, especially the Falls Overlook Café in Sioux Falls, was also a popular place this weekend, with folks coming out for lunch at the old power plant that was built in 1909. I know they had three out-of-state visitors, as Janet (Heetland) and Lee Almquist of California and Wayne Schlueter, Wichita, Kan., along with Luella, enjoyed a noon lunch there. Try it out!Michele and Nikki Nester, Winona, came Saturday and, along with Joanne and Tom Goehle, went to Bonesteel, S.D., to attend the wedding of a niece and cousin, Jocelyn Jons and Matthew Flattery. Sunday they attended a Jons family reunion at the home of Joanne’s brother, Ed and Cheryl Jons. Joanne and family returned to Hills Sunday and Michele and Nikki left for Winona Monday afternoon. Mae Top attended her great-granddaughter Brooke Norgard’s fifth birthday party at Sibley, Iowa, on Saturday. Brenda and Colby Hadler, Edgerton, were visitors Monday of Joanne Goehle, along with Tom.Bob and Twila Kirsch, Barb and Ron Koch, Bismarck, N.D., and Barry Kirsch, Riverside, Iowa, attended graduation exercises for Breann Wheeler and Dylan Mathias from SSC at Okabena on Friday. Saturday they helped Jessica Lentz celebrate her 10th birthday. Barry returned to his home Saturday and Barb and Ron left for Bismarck on Monday.Saturday evening Andy and Frieda Mogler, Rock Rapids, Iowa, visited in the Cliff and Vi Van Wyhe home.Lee Jackson has finished his first term of college at the University of Minnesota and is home for the summer with his parents, Roger and Ruth Jackson. He is employed this summer at Wells Fargo in Sioux Falls. Alicia Sandager and her fiancé, Adam Compagnone, of New York City, spent the weekend in the home of her parents, Mark and Karen Sandager. Vi and Cliff Van Wyhe were guests in the Ron and Lexi DeWit home in Sioux Falls Sunday for a visit with Lindsey who was home for the holiday. Later, they visited at the Tom Van Wyhe home with Matt and Teri Mercer, who were home for the holiday.Jeff and Missy Bass hosted a family gathering Saturday. Those attending from a distance were Marlene and Del Negus, Davenport, Iowa.June and Cecil Rust, Spokane, Wash., visited her sister, Alice Kolsrud Wednesday. David and Char Kolsrud, Beaver Creek, took all out for dinner Wednesday evening and the visitors left Thursday morning. Arriving Thursday night from Kansas to spend until Sunday morning with Luella Schlueter was her son, Wayne. Friday, Luella’s cousins flew into Sioux Falls from Manteca, Calif., and spent the day here as her supper guests. Faith DeBoer and her daughter, Shari, and granddaughter, Kendra Doer, attended a bridal shower for Kelly Tucker, bride-to-be of Mark DeBoer, Saturday afternoon at Harrisburg, S.D.Lon and Ann Skattum and daughter, Kjersti, Laguna Niguel, Calif., and Sonja and Mike Brough, San Clemente, Calif., came Wednesday night to visit Lon’s mother, Harriet Skattum. All attended the wedding Saturday of Gretchen Edwards and Phil Frankin at a park in Mitchell, S.D. Gretchen is Harriet’s niece. The couple will live in Sioux Falls. Russell and Michael Vestlie, Madison, Wis., were Sunday afternoon visitors at the home of Martha Lindrud.Vernon and Ardoth Kraetsch, Windom, were Thursday afternoon visitors of Bob and Twila Kirsch.

Every one of us who lives in a rural area enjoys a ride in the country to enjoy the beauty that Mother Nature provides for us, and many times we do not take the time to relax and enjoy.There is much peace and beauty in nature, yet struggling mankind fails to drink deeply of it. Life could be simple, but we make it complex. We fail to see the bigness of the universe and the perfect organization of the universe. Even in the budding of trees and blooming of flowers, the colors of nature always blend. They do not clash but work together for good. I think we could learn a lesson from Mother Nature. Sunday, Melvin and Joann Paulsen drove to Avon to attend Samantha Randall’s graduation. She is the granddaughter of the former Donna Mae Paulson, Melvin’s sister.Henrietta Huenink, Joan Hoogeveen and Winnie Scholten attended the Memorial Day service at Valley Springs, S.D., for those who lost their lives in service for their country. Following the service they enjoyed a broasted chicken dinner before returning home. Hills Friendship Days will be Friday, June 10, and Saturday, June 11. This is a fun time for all where we meet old friends and enjoy all of the many and various activities. Better mark your calendar now!The Hills Beaver Creek FFA had their annual FFA banquet on May 31. Officers for the coming year were installed and other business taken care of. The new officers are as follows, Jason Martens, president; Jason Hup, vice president; Stacy Bush, secretary; Brandt Klarenbeek, treasurer; Kathryn Bos, sentinel; Kathy McGaffee, reporter; Andy Blank, historian; and Mitchell Leuthold, parliamentarian. Congratulations to each of them!Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family of Jessie Schouwenburg who passed away suddenly at Sioux Valley Hospital last Monday. Funeral services for her were at Steen Reformed Church this past week. She is survived by one daughter, Rozella (Virgil) Vahl, Steen; and two grandsons. There will be an open house bridal shower for Abbey Franken (bride-to-be of Ryan Behr) at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 4, at Steen Reformed Church. In the hustle and bustle of our world toady it seems we are always striving for more of everything. However, there are a few priceless treasures we are still able to enjoy.Priceless TreasuresThe late George Horace Lorimer, for many years the editor of The Saturday Evening Post, once wrote these words — "It is a good thing to have money, and the things that money can buy, but it is good, too, to check up once in a while and make sure we haven’t lost the things that money can’t buy." The things money cannot buy would make a long list. Here are some of them:Money cannot buy real friendship; friendship must be earned.Money cannot buy a clear conscience; square dealing is the price tag. Money cannot buy the glow of good health; right living is the secret. Money cannot buy happiness; happiness is a mental attitude, and one may be as happy in a cottage as in a mansion. Money cannot buy sunsets, singing birds and the music of the wind in the trees; these are as free as the air we breathe. Money cannot buy inward peace; peace is the result of a constructive philosophy of life. Money cannot buy character; character is what we are when we are alone with ourselves in the dark.From Kleinknecht Gems of Thought

A new cemetery in Australia hopes to stand out from all the others. In fact, "stand" will be the operative word at the cemetery which, in addition to providing inexpensive ($781 in U.S. currency), environmentally friendly burials, will bury its guests in vertical positions. The Darlington cemetery rules will also require bodies to be buried in simple body bags — instead of the usual caskets and waterproof vaults. "When you die, you are returned to the earth with a minimum of fuss and with no paraphernalia that would affect the environment," a cemetery spokesman told Australian Associated Press. The bodies of the dearly departed will be stood up in groups of up to 15 at a time and animals will be allowed to graze on the land after it is stable again. The vertical concept in cemeteries will require us to rethink the way we view final resting places. For example, headstones would only serve to trip grazing cows and cause countless udder disasters. The closest thing you could have to a headstone would be your head, and that would be out of sight, beneath the surface of the ground. Presumably, special arrangements will be made for people who are literally a head and shoulders above the rest of the crowd. A recent press release failed to mention whether "vertical burial" means the cemetery’s new clientele will be placed headfirst or feet first at their final addresses. Either way, the expression "heads up" might take on a new meaning in the fine print of burial contracts. In the end, perhaps being buried headfirst or feet first won’t matter to people who couldn’t tell one end from the other while they were still alive. Burial grounds in pastoral settings might be confusing to first-time visitors, particularly small children. "Mommy, why did we drive all this way, just to stare at dumb old cows in a pasture?" "We’re paying respects to Grandpa, dear." "Grandpa’s a cow?" Being buried in a pasture might resemble spending eternity as a lucky, sometimes unlucky, square in a grid for Cow Pie Bingo, a popular diversion at so many country fairs and rural celebrations. And forget those cemeteries with scenic views. The closest one might come to a scenic view would be in-your-face, close-up encounters with grazing animals. "Standing room only" signs will no longer be limited to theaters, sports arenas or concert halls. They might be posted on a pasture fence near you. People who choose to be environmentally correct, even after death, will tend to be revered by their survivors. Environmentalists, who often took a stand during their lifetimes, will continue to do their noble work after they pass on. Those select cemetery residents will be referred to as "people outstanding in their field." For all time they will be remembered as "stand outs" and "stand-up guys." Finally, the traditional epitaph "Rest in Peace" will be considered to be outdated and no longer relevant. A modest sign, placed somewhere on a fence and out of the cows’ way, might simply read, "Stand in Peace."

Buffalo Days June 3-5The Luverne Chamber of Commerce announced its plans for the 21st annual Buffalo Days celebration.This year the event is Friday through Sunday, June 3-5.Friday: The activities begin on Friday with the 11th annual Cruise-In for antique and classic cars at 6:30 p.m. at the Magnolia Steak House.Friday will also include a 5K and 10K run at 7:15 p.m. and a kids’ run at 7:00 p.m.The Fabulous Talisman will perform at the Palace Theatre both Friday and Saturday nights beginning at 7:30 p.m.Saturday: A Belgium Waffle feed, sponsored by the American Red Cross, will begin at 7:00 a.m. at the American Legion Hall, followed by the Buffalo Days Parade beginning at 10:00 a.m.The annual Art in the Park will also begin at 10:00 a.m. There are currently more than 100 vendors signed up for the event.Food booths and entertainment will be abundant, and the annual buffalo chip throwing contest will begin at 2:00 p.m.The auto show will also be at the city park from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Baseball events, including alumni games, a homerun derby and a youth pitching contest, will be at Redbird Field from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.Sunday: The weekend’s activities conclude with the free buffalo burgers at the Blue Mounds State Park. The buffalo feed also serves as the park’s 2005 annual open house.The Luverne Chamber estimates that the annual event draws in excess of 10,000 visitors to Luverne for the weekend.Riverbend Striders set date for Volksmarch in LuverneThe Riverbend Striders Volksmarch Club of Mankato is planning a Luverne walk as part of an 11-event bus trip highlighted by a walk to the Crazy Horse Monument in the Black Hills on Saturday, June 6.The Luverne walk, a 10K route or 6.2 miles, will take place on Wednesday, June 1, and will involve 40 walkers from Madison, Wisconsin.The Riverbend Striders set up self-guided walks in communities throughout the area. In Luverne the start/finish is located at the Comfort Inn.All of the information for the walk, which includes registration log and cards, maps and directions, is in the walk box which may be obtained from the staff at the registration desk.If you would like to join the Madison walkers, their estimated time of arrival is between 3:00 and 3:30 p.m.The group will walk, eat and then head for Mitchell, where some of them may walk another 10K that evening.If you would like more information, you can contact Audrey von Holt at 507-625-5375 or by e-mail at eavonholt@charter.net.State fair prepares for their amateur contestPerformers from around the Midwest are fine-tuning their talents for the 33rd annual Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest.Prizes will be awarded to the first through third place winners in three divisions, with a total prize purse of $7,445.Categories include the Open Division for all ages, Teen Division for ages 13-18, and Preteen Division for ages 12 and under.Auditions for the contest run Monday, July 18, through Thursday, July 21, and Monday, July 25, through Sunday, July 31, at the Bandshell on the fairgrounds.The auditions will begin at 5:30 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Semi-finalists will be selected to perform during the Minnesota State Fair.According to the event organizers, the semifinals will be held nightly at the Bandshell. Winners from the semifinals will compete in the finals at 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 4, at the Grandstand.If you would like to see how your talent rates, contact the talent contest info line at 651-288-4395, or e-mail them at entertainment@mnstatefair.org.The Minnesota State Fair will be Thursday, Aug. 25, through Labor Day, Sept 5.Publisher Roger Tollefson can be reached by e-mail at tolly@star-herald.com

In early May Robert Sandbulte called and asked me to meet him at the Legion Hall in Hills so that he could show me some old pictures.When I walked into the Hall, there was stuff everywhere. Apparently the City felt like spring cleaning. One table of what appeared to be junk was actually a pile of old, very old, pictures of residents who had served in the military in the first half of the century.From what Robert could tell me, the photos were mainly from World War II, but some looked old enough to be from World War I. I was mesmerized by these photographs.I couldn’t stop thinking of how hard it must have been for these young men and women (yes, there were several photos of young women) to leave their family farms and life in southwest Minnesota. Many looked so young and innocent, yet determined and focused. I kept trying to get Robert to help me figure out the stories behind the photos. I wanted to know the adventures they had been on — had they made it home safely, or had they died defending my country?Robert suggested I look through "Service Record World War I and II Hills and Community," a collection of photos and records of those who served. I jumped at the opportunity, hoping that I would find tales of adventure, horror and heroism.When I opened the book, I didn’t find what I was hoping for. The photos and names were there for many of the pictures I had seen on the table in the Legion Hall, but very few stories. The information was minimal. In honor of Memorial Day, I decided to run some of my favorite photos and the information that accompanied them.The stories of these men and women remain a mystery to me, but I bet Albert Juffer made the best of his situation in the war. And Chester Westby … was his spirit broken while serving 42 months in the war?I am the daughter and granddaughter of men who served. Memorial Day has always caused me to pause and think back to the stories they have yet to tell me about their experiences. It is important to share those memories, the good and the bad, so that generations after us can still understand the depth of their sacrificesI encourage residents to spend time with veterans during Memorial Day weekend and ask questions about their experiences. It is a very good way to honor those that aren’t here to share their stories anymore.Poppies at Orv’s The Hills Legion Auxiliary is no longer a thriving part of the community, but treasurer Lois Nelson is still doing her part to keep the memory of America’s servicemen alive.Poppies made by veterans have become a symbol of the sacrifice of lives in war and represent the hope that none had died in vain.The money raised from the sale of these small tissue flowers helps veterans currently using the services offered in veterans homes across America.For the past year my father-in-law has been relying on these services to keep him alive, and I am personally indebted to the role America’s veterans homes play for our servicemen.Lois has made sure residents in the area have a chance to help these servicemen, so the next time you stop by Orv’s, ask for a red poppie.Memorial Day Service – May 30The American Legion members welcome residents to join them in honoring our fallen servicemen during a Memorial Day ceremony at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 30, at the Legion Hall in Hills.Story ideas or comments can be emailed to Lexi Moore at lexim@star-herald.com or called in at 962-3561.

By Lori EhdeLuverne’s Traci Evans won’t march to "Pomp and Circumstance" in a cap and gown next weekend with her classmates.While they’re receiving their diplomas, she’ll be in Fort Lee, Va., working her advanced individual training with the Army National Guard.Evans joined the Luverne guard unit last year and spent last summer in basic training."I signed up not knowing that my AIT would be 12 weeks long," Evans said. "I’d either have to miss graduation or start college in the second semester."She plans to start her freshman year at North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D., this fall. "My brother told me if you start college late, you miss meeting people and it’d be harder transitioning into college life," she said. She said her classmates in Luverne have been supportive. "I was there for baccalaureate, so that was kind of my graduation."She said the school gave her the diploma at that time and made special mention of her circumstances.Evans will train for her military occupational specialty, automated logistical specialist. She described the MOS as administrative work, for example, helping with ordering military supplies.She is the daughter of Luverne’s Todd and Patty Evans.The Luverne Guard unit has been placed on alert for possible deployment next summer, 2006.She went to Sioux Falls Wednesday night to report to superiors in Fort Lee and she flies out today.