A new national anthem for Australia could easily be a remake of a song made popular by Rod Stewart. The title would be, "Have I toad you lately I don’t love you?" An estimated 100 million cane toads, fatal to Australian predators such as crocodiles and dingoes because of their toxic skin, have multiplied out of control. The toads, native to South America, were imported to Australia in the 1930s to eat beetles that were destroying crops. They proved to be a sorry solution. As a result of the plague of toads, a member of Australia’s parliament upset animal-welfare advocates when he recently urged all citizens to kill as many poisonous cane toads as possible. "Hit them with cricket bats, golf clubs and the like," was his call to action. The toad-welfare people are telling everyone not to bludgeon the toads, but rather put them in a freezer until they die. Apparently, slowly freezing to death next to fish caught last summer and trays of ice cubes is more humane. It seems fair to say that freezing countless numbers of live toads to death in home freezers might not be all that good for unsuspecting people who open the freezers. They will shockingly discover what appears to be tiny toad actors, sprawled every which way in a realistic re-enactment of America’s Donner Pass tragedy. The freezing of poisonous toads might lead to complications other than grandmotherly homemakers discovering frozen toads stuck to the tops of ice cream pails and packages of frozen peas. A small, innocent child might grab one of the poisonous toads and bite into it, temporarily mistaking it for one of those ice cream novelty treats with its stick missing. The possibility also exists that the frozen toads, after they’re removed from the freezers, might thaw out and survive. One minute they might be piled on the kitchen table like so many little, stiff green logs and the next minute they might be invading every closet of the house. My family’s closest brush with an amphibian plague coincided with the annual migration of frogs from one lake to another in a remote corner of northwestern Minnesota. It all had something to do with the frogs mating, hatching eggs or moving to a better neighborhood. There were many theories. My husband, one of our daughters and I were being driven from an airport to a small cabin in the middle of a moonless night by one of the locals. Our driver wore a black shirt inscribed with disparaging remarks about someone’s mother and the road surfaces were totally covered with the hopping, croaking frogs. Croaking took on a new perspective as they and our car tires became inseparable on the lonely secondary road. As the car careened wildly from side to side of the road, slippery and wet with thousands of frogs migrating to a better life, our driver told us about a motorcycle accident that changed his life, if not his mind, forever. "Saw a doc down in Minneapolis and he said my IQ is only 80 now. Isn’t that something? Who’d ever think I’d be driving a car again?" His words were accompanied by the splats, splashes and thunk-a-thunks beneath the car. Huddled in the backseat with my husband and daughter, I couldn’t imagine what was more frightening — hydroplaning off the road on the slippery frog bodies or being driven around by a self-described medical miracle. It was the longest car ride of my life.

It was 140 years ago, in 1865, when a druggist by the name of Henry C. Welles from the small city of Waterloo, N.Y., suggested that there ought to be a way of remembering and honoring people who had died in service to the United States. To do so, he initiated the first "Decoration Day" to promote the idea of adorning the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. The idea caught on, and by 1868 the Army officially started recognizing the day. In 1882 the name was changed to Memorial Day, and in 1971, it was declared a national holiday to be held on the last Monday in May, creating a three-day holiday. Yet Memorial Day should be more to us than another holiday. It should continue to be a time to remember the people who have died in service to our country. To honor our forebears who fought for our freedom and security, I encourage all Minnesotans to observe Memorial Day, perhaps by attending a memorial service or visiting a veterans' cemetery. It is important to remember the past to understand our place today, and our future. On Memorial Day, I remember my father, who served in World War II, and convey to my kids and grandkids what his service meant to me and to our country. Probably every family has compelling stories about those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice for us. Together we can make this Memorial Day truly a time of appreciation and remembrance. Mary Kiffmeyer Secretary of State

This letter is written in response to the comments written last week in the Star Herald by Lori Ehde in her article. First of all she took a small phrase that I said out of context. It is true that I spoke at the school board meeting and that I said that I wish we could have had more of a voice as parents in the kindergarten decision. She neglected to report that I followed that up by saying, "I realize we should have gotten involved sooner, and I admitted that I did not take enough initiative to get involved in the whole process." I definitely have learned a lot through this process, and plan on being more involved in future issues. I do not want to be one who complains, but does nothing to back it up. Back to the issue of parents not having a voice, I do feel that the surveys that were placed in the kindergarten packets were set aside by some parents, thinking that roundup was a way off. I believe this because the school board only had about 40 returned from approximately 100 sent out. I do understand that this was a difficult decision for the school board to make, and the problem starts at the state level, due to lack in funding. But I also feel that cutting our kids back to half-day kindergarten is going to set some kids behind. It is not nearly the same as it was even 20 years ago when I went to half-day kindergarten. We learned our ABC’s and 123’s, now they need to learn to read.I feel that the families that cannot afford to send their children to the KinderPlus program will risk them falling behind. As parents we are hoping to find out where this figure of $150 came from, and possibly a way to lower it, to make it more affordable to all families who hope to participate in it. I plan on attending the school board meeting this Thursday, where they are going to address our questions. Yes, I am using my voice, and becoming more involved!Jodi BoschLuverne

MINUTES OF THE HILLS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITYMAY 10, 2005Dana Dahlquist, President of the Hills EDA called the meeting to order at 8:45 P.M. with the following Board members present: Dana Dahlquist, Jim Jellema, Linus Svoboda and Ross Metzger. Board member absent: Keith Elbers. Others present: Connie Wiertzema, EDA Secretary; Joanne Goehle, EDA Treasurer; and Lexi Moore, Reporter-Hills Crescent.Motion by Jellema, seconded by Metzger to approve payment of the April expenditures, to include payment to Olson’s Pest Control, wherein Southern Hills Condo Association will reimburse the EDA through their maintenance funding account. Motion carried. Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Jellema to approve the minutes of April 12th. Motion carried. No further discussion, meeting adjourned at 8:48 P.M./s/ Connie J. WiertzemaConnie J. WiertzemaEDA Secretary(5-26)

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE HILLS CITY COUNCILMAY 10, 2005Mayor Jim Jellema called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. with the following council members present: Jim Jellema, Dana Dahlquist, Linus Svoboda, and Ross Metzger. Council absent: Keith Elbers. Employees present: Connie Wiertzema, City Clerk; and Joanne Goehle, City Treasurer. Guests: Kym Christiansen-Southwest Regional Development Commission; Jeff Bass-Hills Fire Department; Tom Houselog and Mark Hovland-Rock County Land Records Office; Mike Kerkhove; Wilmer Elbers; and Lexi Moore-Hills Crescent. Kym Christiansen gave an outline of the services that Southwest Regional Development offers to cities. Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Svoboda to approve the April 12th minutes. Motion carried. Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Metzger to approve payment of the April expenditures; General $57,979.71; Park $5,477.71; Fire $11,066.85; Street $3,388.92; Legion $4,948.04; Sewer $1,762.79; Garbage $3,782.80; Recycling $976.10; Water $5,585.74; Baseball $49.31; Softball $35.00. Motion Carried.General Checking 59,987.88General Fund CD#18197, 2.5%, 12/4/04 243,300.81General Fund CD#17792 (prev. #15742) 2.5%, 5/29/03 – cashed in 6/3/03General Fund CD#18674 (prev. #17760) 2.75%, 9/15/05 71,299.52Fire Truck Replacement Fund CD#18647, 2.0%, 1/13/06 26,578.89Hills EDA Security Deposit Account 939.08Hills EDA Checking – Acct. #1248 6,781.05Southern Hills Condo Acct. #1263 487.92Southern Hills CD#17759 (prev. #17572) 2.5%, 3/15/05 5,324.88EDA CD#17850 (prev. #17384) 2.5%, 5/7/05 29,026.20EDA CD#18597, 1.0%, 1/17/05 (renew & int. added each month) 20,419.87EDA CD#18505, 1.0%, 1/22/05 (renew & int. added each month) 10,748.47The Council recognized Hansel Plumbing for their donation of labor and materials for work done at the Fire Hall. A resident will be contacted to inform them of the City’s burning ordinance, in that open pit burning is not allowed. Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Svoboda to use funds from the Fire Truck Replacement CD, along with additional funding from the City and Martin Township, to pay Midwest Fire $31,212 for the new fire truck chassis; the remaining amount will be due at a later date. Motion carried.Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Metzger to renew the EDA CD’s for 12 months, rather than 15 months as previously discussed, at the same rate of interest 3.2%. Motion carried.The City’s regular meeting was recessed at 6:35 P.M. in order to open the Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting. Tom Houselog, Rock County Land Record Director and Mark Hovland, Assistant County Assessor presented the Council with residential sales information from 2004 to current. Valuations for Hills increased 4.5 percent from last year, and market values increased three to four percent in accordance with the sale of comparable homes. Mark Hovland confirmed to Ross Metzger that certain property owned by him and Kelly Leuthold is noted as commercial property. No guests appeared at this meeting with inquiries. The Board of Appeals meeting was adjourned at 7:00 P.M., and the Council proceeded with their regular meeting. The Council discussed their concern for the possibility of future hog confinements and the distribution of manure too close to city limits, similar to the problem near the City of Steen. Mayor Jellema volunteered to obtain further information to be discussed at the next meeting. Mike Kerkhove and Wilmer Elbers attended the meeting to discuss the City’s decision to blacktop Sixth Street and assess such costs to the abutting properties. The City accepted a bid from Asco Asphalt Surfacing Company in the amount of $6,075.60, plus the cost of gravel. The cost to each lot will be approximately $1,625. Elbers suggested that the costs be assessed over a ten-year period; Kerkhove was in agreement, but stated that he may choose to pay off the assessment sooner. The Council will confirm with the bank on a suggested interest rate for this assessment. Jellema informed the Council of Wayne Ward’s upcoming change in family health insurance, wherein his spouse is eligible for Medicare this fall, and can no longer be named on the City’s family health insurance plan. A single supplemental insurance would cost $259 per month. Ward’s inquiry to the Council is to consider paying this single supplemental insurance in place of the family health insurance. The Council denied the request, in that they do not feel the City should be responsible for paying supplemental insurance; and also for a member who is not an employee of the city. A notice will be placed in the newspaper requesting residents to control a weed known as creeping Charlie.The Council approved Ward’s request to attend a three-day wastewater seminar in Mankato, only if mandatory. City maintenance will be instructed to replace the stop sign at S. Central Ave. and 4th Street and any other street signs as needed. Also to gravel and blade only the alleys that are well used. The Council approved building permit requests from Alan and Bonnie Leenderts for a new home and from Ross Metzger for a cement pad for an LP tank. The Council denied a building permit request from Ron Arp for a garage, in that the setbacks are not in accordance with the City’s building code. The Council approved of a request from Gregg and Cindy Ebert to allow them household storage space for approximately three months at $1.00 per day. An inquiry to rent a garbage dumpster for long-term, rather than use the City’s garbage service was denied by the Council, in that all residents must pay for city garbage, recycling, and landfill fees with no exceptions. Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Svoboda to contact the Postal Service a second time to request that the mailboxes along State Highway 270 between Main Ave. and S. Central Ave. be removed due to the possible hazard it may create with the City’s busiest intersection and crosswalk. Also, to have the City’s attorney draft an ordinance stating that no additional mailboxes may be installed along State Highway 270 and County Road Six within the City limits. Motion carried. The Council discussed whether a street sign is necessary at the end of West North 2nd Street, leading to Ron and Jan Solberg’s rental homes. The drive leading to those homes is a private drive, and not a city street, therefore no street name or sign will be designated or installed. The Solbergs will be contacted with regard to the Council’s concern for future snow removal within that private drive. No further discussion, meeting adjourned at 8:45 P.M.Connie J. WiertzemaCity Clerk(5-26)

Services for Jennie Schouwenberg will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 26, at Steen Reformed Church with burial to follow in Eastside Cemetery at Steen. The Rev. Dan Ramaker will officiate.Jennie Schouwenberg, 83, Steen, died Monday morning at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D.Jennie Kracht was born to Peter and Grace (Flier) Kracht on May 8, 1922, on a farm near Rock Rapids, Iowa. She grew up on the family farm and attended country school. When she was 16 years old her mother died and she took over the responsibility of raising her younger siblings along with caring for the household and working in the fields.She married Bert Schouwenberg on Dec. 15, 1944, at the parsonage of Steen Reformed Church. Following their marriage the couple farmed west of Rock Rapids. Later they moved to a farm south of Steen where they farmed until retiring to Steen in 1979. Mr. Schouwenberg died on Nov. 27, 1997. Following his death she remained in Steen. She became sick on Sunday and was taken to Merrill Pioneer Community Hospital in Rock Rapids before transferred to Sioux Valley Hospital.Mrs. Schouwenberg was an active member of Steen Reformed Church where she served as a teacher of Sunday School, catechism and Bible School. She and her husband were custodians of the church for 25 years. She liked gardening and helping on the farm. Survivors include one daughter, Rozella Mae (Virgil) Vahl, Steen; two grandsons, Jonathon Vahl, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Eric Vahl, Steen; three brothers, Ben Kracht, Larchwood, Iowa, John Kracht, Hills, Bud (Theo) Kracht, Beaver Creek; and one sister, Alice (Bernard) Cosgrove, O’Fallon, Mo. Mrs. Schouwenberg was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bert, one brother, Bert Kracht, one sister, Hattie Top, and two sisters-in-law, Margaret Kracht and Anna Mae Kracht.Roste Funeral Home, Hills, is in charge of arrangements.

Jerold James "Jed" "Porky" Gunnink, 68, Edgerton, died Tuesday, May 17, 2005, at his home in Edgerton.Services were Saturday, May 21, at First Reformed Church in Edgerton. Burial was in Hillside Cemetery, Edgerton. Jerold Gunnink was born to Gerrit and Henrietta (Menning) Gunnink on Aug. 24, 1936, on the family farm north of Leota. He was raised on the farm and attended Christian Grade School in Edgerton. He married Janet Bosch on June 16, 1958, in Steen. He worked for Hanson Silo in Luverne before his employment with Central Telephone Company He retired from the phone company in June 1993 and moved from Lakeville to Browns Valley. They moved to their present home in Edgerton in 1996. On March 29 he was admitted to the hospital in Casa Grande, Ariz. He was later transferred to the hospital in Rochester for radiation treatment. He returned to his home in Edgerton on Friday, April 22. Mr. Gunnink was a member of Edgerton Protestant Reformed Church, Edgerton First Reformed Church, Riverside Reformed Church in Bloomington, Valley Community Church in Prior Lake, and Sunscape Chapel, Casa Grade. He served on numerous church boards. He was past president of ITPA Telephone Company and the Pioneer Telephone Company. He served on the fire department in Casa Grande and the First Responders Paramedic Team. He also volunteered to help Special Olympics as well as other special associations such as the Alzheimer’s Foundation. He enjoyed camping, fishing, reading and spending winters in Arizona. Survivors include his wife, Janet Gunnink, Edgerton; four children, Paula (Joe) Lattimore, Elysian, Linda (Keith) Hahn, Scott Gunnink, all of Lakeville, and David (Mary) Gunnink, Apple Valley; four grandchildren, Anna and Tyler Hahn, Lakeville, Sandra Lattimore, Lonsdale, and Stacie (Tom) Lobitz, Norwood Young America; two great-grandchildren, Keyth and Mckayla Lobitz, Norwood Young America; and seven brothers and sisters, Bernard (Karen) Gunnink, Hardwick, Betty (Harvey) Ross, Tucson, Ariz., John (Kim) Gunnink, Glen "Corky" (Irene) Gunnink, all of Edgerton, Duane (Cheryl) Gunnink, Caledonia, Mich., Julia Ann (Larry) Hanson, Alamosa, Colo., and Darwin (Peggy) Gunnink, Aztec, N.M. Mr. Gunnink was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Arthur and Henry.Colonial Funeral Home in Edgerton was in charge of arrangements.

10 years ago (1995)"American Legion Post #399 celebrated its 76th anniversary by remembering its members, friends and family at the annual Memorial Day program and service Monday at the Legion Building and Bethlehem Cemetery in Hills. …A historical highlight of the annual program was Juliet Braa’s recitation of the Gettysburg Address. Seventy-six years ago Braa recited the Gettysburg Address at the birth of the American Legion. She first gave the Address in 1919 since her grandfather, Goodman Anderson, was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic — a Civil War veteran."25 years ago (1980)"This was the first week of business at the Exchange State Bank’s new location on the corner of Highways 6 and 270 on the northeast edge of Hills. The new building was completed enough for business to be conducted at the site within just a few days of the move. The total project however may be several weeks away from completion, with final touching up to be done on several items. Banking customers have commented on the appearance of the new building and others have noted that the drive-in banking is a welcome addition to the bank’s services." 50 years ago (1955)"Shots for polio were given to first- and second-grade children of Rock County last Friday morning at the Luverne High School gym. An efficient crew of doctors, nurses and helpers were present to put the children through in good time." 75 years ago (1930)"Wish some of you farmers would fix your telephone lines, as lately we have had occasion to ring up various parties, but failed to get them. Keep the lines in working order. Someday you will probably need a doctor in a hurry, or other happenings where immediate help is needed — fire, for instance."100 years ago (1905)"The Rock County Herald was 32 years old last week, 27 years of which have been under the able guidance of its present Editor J.H. Miller. The Herald the past few years hasn’t improved much in a typographical way, for that would have been well nigh impossible, but politically and morally it has wonderfully improved the past five years. Brother Miller has of late years shifted to the right position on nearly all leading public questions, such as tariff reform, public and private, graft, the liquor question, gambling etc. which makes the Herald’s editorial columns a power for good and in the interest of the ‘bread winner,’ whom it should and does represent. While Editor Miller has been frequently assailed for his stand on various public questions, it has been by politicians of questionable moral worth. The Herald and its editor today appear before the lime light of public opinion stronger than ever."

The Rez Park had its first camper of the season a week ago when Cecil "Slim" and Linda Harsin, Burke, S.D., camped there for the weekend. They spent time with Jon and Kim Virkus and the grandchildren, the Virkus children. We learned that he is associated with the newspaper folks in Burke and Gregory, S.D., so we had quite a visit.Dorothy and Arnold Thorin went to Austin last Sunday for a visit with Maxine and Chuck Hanson. Monday the foursome traveled east spending time sightseeing and going into Illinois and Wisconsin. They watched the locks on the Mississippi River also as the boats went through. Dick and Luella Lewallen, Wessington Springs, S.D., came Sunday to visit in the home of their daughter, Kay and Dana Dahlquist. Together they went to Luverne to the home of Adam and Laurie Dahlquist to celebrate Avery Dahlquist’s second birthday. Dick and Audrey Heidenson went to Battle Lake a week ago Friday and from there went to Alexandria to attend the graduation of their grandson on Wednesday from the law enforcement school. They returned home Friday. Chuck and Rheta De Boer returned home Saturday afternoon after spending the week in Rapid City, S.D., with daughter Bonnie Fagray and children while David Fagray was away on church business. Dianna Spath, Wells, was visiting her children in the area, Jill and Shaun Swenson and family. Last Tuesday night Wendell and Kathryn Erickson and Kirsten and Patrick Anderson, Sioux Falls, attended the Syttende Mai celebration at Elman Center. It was the 100th anniversary of the independence of Norway from Sweden. They had occasion to be seated near two exchange students from Norway who were attending Augustana College. Don and Edyth Briggs, Bob and Twila Kirsch and Ray and Lois Nelson took the Prime Timers bus from Luverne to the Cities Sunday to attend the "Lion King" musical at the Orpheum Theatre. The Rebekah Circle of the United Methodist Church of Luverne met Wednesday at the home of Vi Van Wyhe, Present were Bev Mann, Lucille Cleland, Dorothy Dorn, Lois Poppen and Janet Peterson. Wendell and Kathryn Erickson attended the funeral of Dale Erdahl at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, Thursday, May 19. Wendell and Dale served together in the Legislature during the years 1971-1975. Ray and Lois Nelson attended the Armed Services program Saturday at the Air Guard Armory in Sioux Falls. The Municipal Band played their first concert of the season. Steve and Robie Horsman and family hosted a farewell party at the Rez Park Saturday for the foreign exchange student who has spent the past school year with them. Tom Bezak, a junior at H-BC school, is from Poland and will now return to his native land.