Burger King, M&M’s, 7-11, Kellogg’s, Cingular Wireless, Legos, X-Box are all on board the Star Wars craze, but living in rural southwest Minnesota you may not even know that tonight, just moments after midnight, millions of people in America will fulfill their destiny.After 27 years of wondering and theorizing, Star Wars fans will finally see just what it is that makes Darth Vader so mean and nasty.Why does he need to choke people with his mind and destroy entire planets? Ten years ago Star Wars creator George Lucas began filming a new epic saga that would explain to fans and non-believers why the forces of good and evil in the cosmos were at odds in his famous trilogy.He decided to write, produce and direct three new movies that portrayed the stories leading up to Hans Solo and Luke Skywalker’s epic adventures with Princess Leah and a Wokie named Chewbacca.WARNING: I am a Star Wars Fan.Beginning with Episode I - The Phantom Menace Star Wars fans saw a young boy, not much older than nine, being trained by Jedi Masters. Fans of the original movies recognized his name, Anakin Skywalker, and knew that this boy would become Darth Vader, the face of the Dark Side.This movie and its follow-up, Episode II - Attack of the Clones, developed a cosmic plot complete with politics, racism, war and of course a battle between what is good and what is evil.Even casual viewers of the original movies would agree that Darth Vader is a part of the evil side of the force regardless of whose father he might have been. Most fans side with Yoda and the evil one’s son, Luke Skywalker.The first two installments in the new movie trilogy conflict with the first trilogy by painting an easier-to-like picture of Anakin Skywalker. This is especially the case in the second movie when the actor playing Anakin is a handsome, young, blonde actor named Hayden Christensen. In fact, you almost feel bad for him as he is taken from his mother and forced to travel to battle at such a young age.This brings me to the final episode opening tonight in movie theaters. How will Lucas be able to make a new generation of kids, who admire this younger, cooler version of Darth Vader, understand that he is evil?I just can’t figure out how it will happen.Most of the commercials for the afore-mentioned products are using the traditional Darth Vader (in a black mask, breathing heavily) as a marketing tool, further committing a generation of new fans to the Dark Side.I was a child of the original movies, I cheered for Princess Leah and the Ewoks, I loved Yoda, and I even base some aspects of my life on his teachings."Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will...""Always in motion is the future."I fear that this new generation, which has many evils in their real world, is going to fall for the Dark Side. They will have sympathy for Lord Vader and accept the excuses Lucas is giving us for his behavior.How will that kind of attitude translate onto our playgrounds and baseball fields this summer?Only time will tell, but I urge you to be smart Star Wars consumers. Star Wars is one of the all-time moneymaking franchises, generating nearly $3.4 billion in global box office cash and $9 billion in retail sales since 1977. Most of the collectors’ memorabilia being offered at 7-11 and Burger King will not be worth what consumers are paying for it.Story ideas or comments can be emailed to Lexi Moore at lexim@star-herald.com or called in at 962-3561.

10 years ago (1995)"Tara Boeve was on her way to setting a new school record by nearly snaring four firsts at the County Conference meet Thursday. However, the Lady Patriot fell short and collected three. Boeve won the 200 and 400 meter dashes and the long jump."25 years ago (1980)"Five area Jaycees attended the Annual Conference in St. Paul. They included Ron Rauk, Jim Sammons, Paul Schroeder, John Schwartz and Keith Braun. Four Bronze Key Awards were presented to the members." 50 years ago (1955)"Interest has shown up more enthusiastically the past week on the coming school bond election issue, scheduled for Friday, June 3. The school officials are also urging legal voters (freeholders or not) in the district to be sure to turn out for the public hearing, to be held in the school house Thursday night preceding the election, June 2."75 years ago (1930)"Rock Rapids had its first service station robbery on Friday night of last week, a robbery that netted an unidentified man $18, which he took from Kenneth Sater, Standard Oil attendant, at the point of a gun. In the place of the $18, the unwelcome visitor left a cheap brass-cased watch, on which he had sought a loan from the station attendant. The watch has no value, aside from that of a momento, a reminder of the visit."100 years ago (1905)"At a meeting of the township board of supervisors of Martin township held here last Friday, the contract for a steel bridge across Mud Creek was let to The Hewett Bridge Company of Minneapolis for $987.00, that being the lowest bid out of the six bids submitted, the bridge to be completed in two and a half months from date of contract."

Sigrid Severtson, 82, Luverne, died Sunday, May 15, 2005, at Tuff Memorial Home in Hills. Services were Wednesday, May 18, at Kenneth Lutheran Church in Kenneth. The Rev. Kerry Boese officiated. Burial was in Kenneth Cemetery. Sigrid Barstad was born to Simon and Petra (Brastad) Barstad on Sept. 23, 1922, in Konsmo, Norway. She moved to a farm in Rock County in 1925 at the age of three. She attended elementary school in Rock County and later in Fergus Falls. She also attended Lutheran Bible Institute in Minneapolis. She worked as a clerk at Sears in Minneapolis and at Renfro’s and Coast to Coast in Luverne. She married Arlyn Severtson on March 21, 1958, at Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne. After their marriage the couple farmed near Kenneth. She was a homemaker. The couple retired in December 1990 and moved to Luverne. Mrs. Severtson was an active member of Kenneth Lutheran Church in Kenneth where she was in choir, taught Sunday School and belonged to the WELCA Ladies Aid. She was also a member of the Garden Club and the Sons of Norway. She enjoyed gardening and flowers.Survivors include her husband, Arlyn Severtson, Luverne, two sons, (David (LaNore) Severtson, and Sterling (Denise) Severtson, all of rural Kenneth; seven grandchildren, Brianna, Lindsey, Connor, Lexie, Andrea, Kristoffer and Riley Severtson; one brother, Noralf (Bernice) Barstad, Luverne; and many cousins in Norway. Mrs. Severtson was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, Malinda Severtson in 1958; an infant brother, Nels Barstad, and a sister-in-law, Irene Barstad. Dingmann Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.

Wendell and Kathryn Erickson were guests of their daughter, Margaret, for Mother’s Day at Steffanie’s restaurant in Worthington and had a chance to visit the new exhibits at Nobles County Art Museum. Then they attended the 3 p.m. concert given by St. Olaf College Symphony Orchestra.Helen Schoen, Albert Lea, and Rudy Phillips and Tony and Annette Goettsch, Sioux Falls, S.D., spent Mother’s Day in the home of Dean and Peggy Goettsch. Marv and June Albers, Cheryl Pavel and Cheyenne, Hills, and Larry Albers, Pierre, S.D., returned to their homes Monday after spending a week with June’s sisters in the Cities. All of June’s sisters were able to be present. She also attended a baby shower while there. Jim and Bea La Rock, Elk River, spent the weekend in the home of their son, Dan and Marie La Rock and children. A week ago, Lee and Betty Sandager and Marie Muckala came to visit in the Sheldon Sandager home and, along with Sheldon, went to Ravenna, Neb., to visit Verne and Bev Reinertson.Michele Nestor came from Winona Friday and along with Joanne Goehle went to Yankton, S.D., for a niece’s wedding rehearsal. On Saturday they returned to Yankton to attend the wedding. Michele provided the music for the event. Don and Edyth Briggs drove to St. Peter Saturday. Don attended the St. Olaf conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine. The banquet was at Gustavus Adolphus College. Harriet Skattum and Ellie Sandager attended the Sioux Valley Nurse’s Alumni banquet at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls on May 7. Last week Tuesday evening, Betty Elbers attended the Washington High School band concert in Sioux Falls in which her granddaughter, Kelsey Elbers, participated. On Thursday evening Wilma and Betty Elbers attended the swing choir concert at Washington High School where their granddaughter, Kelsey Elbers, also performed. Dean and Peggy Goettsch, Tony and Annette motored to Ramona, S.D., Saturday to attend the graduation party and graduation for Dean’s niece.Joanne Goehle drove to Lake Benton Friday to see the RTR performance of "The Wizard of Oz," which was given at the Lake Benton Opera House. Andrew and Alyssa Hadler had parts in the musical. Mary and John Federicks and family of Ripon, Calif., attended graduation ceremonies for their daughter, Lindsey, last weekend at Northwestern College In Orange City, Iowa. Joanne Goehle and Tom went to Edgerton Sunday to attend the confirmation of Katie Hadler. At this writing Harriet Kolsrud, Sioux Falls, is a patient at Sioux Valley Hospital. Marv Albers underwent same day surgery last Wednesday at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls and is now home recuperating.

How many of you can remember the Dirty 30s? I wasn’t very old but I can remember that the wind blew every day! That wasn’t so bad, but it was the dust. We had to dust in the house every day, which did not provide me with much inspiration. The roadside ditches had banks of dust instead of the usual snow. My father took me to school in the bobsled, as you couldn’t even see the ditches. With memories such as these, I haven’t been very impressed with all of the wind we have been having. So far we haven’t had the dust to contend with. There have been many improvements in our living as well as our weather in later years. I went to school in a one-room schoolhouse and our recreation was always outdoors, even in the winter. However, we all had many happy memories of our school days. I can remember a song which was titled "School Days." The words were "School days, school days, dear old golden rule days. Reading and writing and arithmetic, taught to the tune of a hickory stick. You were my queen in calico and I was your bashful barefoot beau. You wrote on my slate ‘I love you so’ when we were a couple of kids."There have been many changes in our lives since those years and especially in our school systems. Margaret and Orval Harberts, George, Iowa, were Saturday evening callers in the Henrietta Huenink home.Thursday evening supper guests in the Paul and Carole Aykens home in Orange City, Iowa, were Mildred Keunen and Joyce and Jo Aykens, who helped Paul celebrate his birthday. The high school academic and athletic awards were presented at the high school gym on Wednesday, May 18. Orrin and Bernice Aukes attended a birthday party for their granddaughter, Katie Lyn Aukes, who celebrated her first birthday at the Pizza Ranch in Brandon, S.D. Katie’s parents are Terry and Christy Aukes of Larchwood, Iowa. Tuff Memorial Home in Hills observed National Nursing Home week last Monday. It was hosted by the Red Hat Society. Residents of Tuff Home voted for a new king and queen last week. They are King Norbert Peters and Queen Laura Paulsen. Congratulations to them!The last day of school for H-BC students will be Thursday, May 26. The high school will dismiss at 11 a.m. and the elementary school will dismiss at 11:14 a.m. Karen Esselink was released from Sioux Valley Hospital on Thursday. Congratulations to Jack Esselink who will graduate from Iowa Lakes Technical College on Thursday, May 19, with a degree in childcare. Speaking of change, there have been many changes in all of our school systems. This article regarding these changes I thought rather pertinent to our problems of today. It provides us with many things to think about.About the Text: "In the late 18th century, Noah Webster, a lawyer, teacher and author of such educational books as the Blue-Backed Speller, was one of the earliest proponents of educational reform in America. At the time, the country was only beginning to develop its intellectual and social structures, and Webster recognized the young nation’s need for civic education to create a sense of national spirit and unity. It was dedication such as his that established America’s educational system, a system now enjoyed by millions of schoolchildren across the nation."On the Education of Youth in AmericaBy Noah Webster, 1788Every child in America should be acquainted with his own country. He should read books that furnish him with ideas that will be useful to him in life and practice. As soon as he opens his lips, he should rehearse the history of his own country; he should lisp the praise of liberty, and of those illustrious heroes and statesmen who have wrought a revolution in her favor. … When I speak of the diffusion of knowledge, I do not mean merely a knowledge of spelling books, and the New Testament. An acquaintance with ethics, and with the general principles of law, commerce, money and government, it is necessary for the yeomanry of a republican state. This acquaintance they might obtain by means of books calculated for school, and read by the children, during the winter months, and by the circulation of public papers.Every small district should be furnished with a school, at least four months in a year. … This school should be kept by the most reputable and well informed man in the district. Here children should be taught the usual branches of learning; submission to superiors and to laws; the moral or social duties; the history and transactions of their own country; the principles of liberty and government. Here the rough manners of the wilderness should be softened, and the principles of virtue and good behaviors inculcated. The virtues of men are of more consequence to society than their abilities; and for this reason, the heart should be cultivated with more assiduity than the head. Such a general system of education is neither impracticable nor difficult; and expecting the formation of a federal government that shall be efficient and permanent it demands the first attention of American patriots. Until such a system shall be adopted and pursued; until the Statesman and Divine shall unite their efforts in forming the human mind, rather than in loping its excrescences, after it has been neglected; until Legislators discover that the only way to make good citizens and subjects is to nourish them from infancy, and until parents shall be convinced that the worst of men are not the proper teachers to make the best: mankind cannot know to what a degree of perfection society and government may be carried. America affords the fairest opportunities for making the experiment, and opens the most encouraging prospect of success.

"Waste not, want not" must not be a popular expression in England. Reuters reports, "British households throw about a fifth of their food, untouched and uneaten, straight into the rubbish bin."In addition, the Britons no longer prepare meals from leftovers and "they over-cautiously chuck food, which may be perfectly edible, as soon as it passes its sell-by date." As a result, each man, woman and child throws out food worth $793 a year. They obviously weren’t raised with memories of America’s Great Depression hanging over their heads. The attitudes of British food tossers show up occasionally at our doorsteps in the form of the Expiration Date Police, or as we affectionately refer to them, the EDP. The EDP is made up of well-meaning friends and relatives, often grown children, who routinely check our refrigerators and kitchen shelves for violations of food expiration dates. Judging by their actions, their sole mission in life is to save us from ourselves. Sell-by dates, food expiration dates and best when used by dates are all the same to the EDP. They’re just different ways of saying the same thing. Younger generations may not believe this, but food expiration dates are fairly new. Until they came out, people were expected to use their own common sense and the choice of whether or not to die of bad food was always left up to the individual. The rule of thumb seemed to be, "If it smells bad, throw it out." If we threw it out, we inevitably experienced pangs of post-Depression guilt. Members of the EDP say things such as, "This blue cheese dressing expired three days ago! What are you trying to do, kill yourself?" They never knew my mother, who would keep opened jars of mayonnaise in the kitchen cupboard and would scrape off the surface mold on jars of her homemade jams and jellies, before serving them. If we would protest, her usual response was, "How do you think penicillin was discovered?" As usual, her logic was flawless. Being raised by people who had gone through the Great Depression with very little to eat was an adventure in itself. It was an indelible experience that would follow us the rest of our lives. As long as there are starving children in Asia, we continue to eat for them and the general good of mankind. Parental advice in those days consisted of four words, "Eat it or starve." If we refused to eat, no kind-hearted parent would try to appease us with a more palatable food choice. The only exceptions to the eat-everything rule were chunky milk and fuzzy leftovers, which had evolved over the years into more intelligent life forms and were able to communicate. All kids of that time knew that being a member of the Clean Plate Club was on the same level of saintliness as having perfect Sunday school attendance or an impressive report card. Perhaps there’s a good reason for those of us wiser and older to avoid both food expiration dates and having younger friends and relatives making throwaway decisions for us. This is especially true if the throwers are knowledgeable about current life expectancies. "Sis, I was just thinking. With her lifestyle, Mom was only expected to live until 80 and she’s 98 now.""Bob, are you thinking what I’m thinking?"As we overhear their conversations, we might as well be sitting there with expiration dates stamped on our foreheads.

I am writing this in response to the recent letters in the paper about the budget cut the School Board has made recently. All day every day kindergarten will no longer exist. While I am also very disappointed this cut was made, and that we will now be mixing private education with public education, I feel that people are missing the big picture.This is NOT the fault of the Luverne Public School system. They are short on money and they need to save somewhere. The School Board was forced to make a decision they did not want to have to make. They tried desperately to pass a referendum in the November 2004 election. The community voted to not support education, not the school. We cannot blame the school for this — they tried. The community believed that the school would not need to cut essential programs, and now they have.However, this is even bigger then the Luverne community. Education at our state and federal levels of government has taken drastic if not fatal cuts in the last four years. The Luverne Schools have been flat-lined in recent years while being asked to do even more with their money because of new federal standards. Recently a budget resolution was passed in the U.S. Congress that cut funding for education billions of dollars. In the last two years Gov. Pawlenty cut education 187 million dollars!I understand everyone's disappointment; I feel it, too. Before we start blaming the local people who are trying to make it better, we need to contact our leaders at the state and local levels: State Rep. Doug Magnus, State Sen. Jim Vickerman, U.S. Senators Norm Coleman and Mark Dayton, U.S. Rep. Gil Gutknecht, Gov. Tim Pawlenty, and yes, even President Bush. We need to let these people know that our education is vital and does not deserve to be cut! It needs to be funded.Sadie DietrichLuverne, Minnesota

We are writing this letter in response to the School Board’s recent decision to take away all day every day kindergarten from our child and his classmates. First of all, this decision seems very "convenient" for the School Board to make after the open enrollment deadline. Parents that would have chosen to open enroll their children with other school districts who offer all day every day kindergarten are no longer able to do so.Secondly, forcing parents to pay a high tuition for the enrichment program is unethical when all families will not be able to send their child. These kids have a right to be treated equally in regard to their public education. Is it fair to use these young children to set an example to the community for not passing the referendum? Kindergarten children’s academic success should not be at stake in order to fix the district’s financial problems. We wish the School Board would reconsider their decision to take away the current kindergarten program and do what is best for our children. Jason and Karla KruseLuverne

I’ve never heard of "all day every day" kindergarten. What would be next, all day every day every night kindergarten? When all day kindergarten (just five days a week) passed here, we called it taxpayer-subsidized daycare. I’d be more concerned about teaching approaches than length of time in a kindergarten class. My six-year-old goes to a public school optional half-day kindergarten and she'll enter first grade as a competent reader. Her older brother did, too. Almost all half-day kindergarten kids in the school do, and have been for 25 years. The school is called an Alternative Basic Curriculum (ABC) school. Did you ever think you’d live to hear that successful basic education approaches in grade school would be alternative instead of required? Our neighborhood public schools with full-day kindergarten produce new first graders that can’t read for the most part. If your concern is not free daycare and is really a good education for your offspring, make sure you have a proven phonics approach and experienced kindergarten teachers that know how to teach it. A disciplined school environment wouldn't hurt either. Jay Page Anchorage, AK