By John RittenhouseA Hills-Beaver Creek High School senior is wrestling with the Luverne High School squad this winter.H-BC’s Cody Scholten has competed at the junior varsity and varsity level for Luverne.Scholten is 1-9 as a varsity competitor and 4-2 at the junior varsity level.Luverne and Scholten had a rough night Tuesday when traveling to Adrian for a match against the state’s third-ranked Class 2A team. Adrian blanked the Cards 83-0, and Scholten was pinned by Tyler Wagner at 1:49 of the 171-pound match.Scholten dropped a pair of tough matches during the Plum Creek Tournament in Westbrook Saturday.He trailed Dawson-Boyd’s Chaz Oschendorf 4-0 before being pinned at the 1:02 mark of the second period in the first round. Scholten and Clinton-Graceville’s Tristen Zych battled to a draw at four before Zych pinned Scholten at 5:06 in the consolation round.Luverne wrestles in the first round of the Section 3AA Team Tournament in Adrian Tuesday against Pipestone.

By John RittenhouseThe Hills-Beaver Creek boys notched their ninth straight basketball victory by defeating Southwest Star Concept 77-52 in Okabena Friday.Kale Wiertzema recorded a double-double by scoring 29 points and pulling down 13 rebounds and Zach Wysong hit five three-point shots during a 19-point effort to help the Patriots reel off their 11th consecutive Red Rock Conference win.Wiertzema, who also charted six assists in the game, tossed in 13 points to lead the Patriots to a 36-23 halftime lead. Wysong burned the net for 13 points when H-BC outscored the Quasars 29-21 in the third quarter, giving the Patriots a 21-point cushion (65-44) that swelled to 25 points at game’s end.Tyler Bush, who charted four steals, scored 16 points and passed for 11 assists to produce another double-double effort for H-BC. Robert Baker added seven rebounds to the cause.The 17-2 Patriots play at Edgerton Public tonight before hosting Sioux Falls Christian Monday and Murray County Central Tuesday.Box scoreWysong 2 5 0-2 19, Bush 5 1 3-4 16, Wiertzema 8 3 4-6 29, Baker 0 0 0-1 0, Broesder 1 1 0-0 5, LeBoutillier 3 0 0-0 6, Rozeboom 1 0 0-2 2.Team statisticsH-BC: 30 of 71 field goals (42 percent), seven of 15 free throws (47 percent), 42 rebounds, 11 turnovers.SSC: 21 of 48 field goals (44 percent), five of 16 free throws (31 percent), 30 rebounds, 21 turnovers.

By John RittenhouseApplying pressure defense and hitting shots from long range carried the Hills-Beaver Creek girls basketball team to a 54-43 win over Russell-Tyler-Ruthton in Hills Monday.H-BC’s relentless defense forced R-T-R to cough up the ball 20 times in the game. A couple of the turnovers led to some of the seven three-point shots made by the home team.In the end, it was a combination of tough defense and sharp shooting that gave the Patriots their 12th win of the campaign.R-T-R scored the first three points of the game before H-BC put together a 9-0 run capped by a field goal from Cassi Tilstra at the 3:00 mark of the first quarter to give the hosts a six-point (9-3) cushion.The Knights trimmed the difference to five points (12-7) by the end of the first quarter and trailed 12-10 in the second period before H-BC’s Brittney Rozeboom drained a three-point shot during a 5-2 spurt to leave the Patriots with a 17-12 lead with 2:37 left in the first half.R-T-R closed the gap to three points (20-17) at halftime and trailed by one (20-19) early in the third quarter, but the Patriots countered with a 20-6 run that ended with Chelsi Fink hitting a three at the 1:06 mark of the third period to give the Patriots a 40-25 advantage.H-BC extended its lead to 18 points (48-30) when Stacy Bush hit a shot from three-point land with 6:09 remaining in the fourth quarter.The Knights, however, scored the next 10 points to trail 48-40 with less than three minutes left to play. H-BC thwarted R-T-R’s challenge by outscoring the Knights 6-3 the rest of the way to win by 11.Cassi Tilstra led the Patriots with 15 points and eight assists in the contest. Kerri Fransman contributed eight rebounds and three steals to the winning cause. Kelly Mulder added eight rebounds.Box scoreRozeboom 2 1 0-0 7, Fransman 0 3 0-0 9, Bush 2 1 2-4 9, Feucht 2 0 3-4 7, Fink 1 1 0-0 5, Tilstra 5 1 2-2 15, Koozenboom 0 0 0-0 0, Mulder 1 0 0-0 2.Team statisticsH-BC: 20 of 55 field goals (36 percent), seven of 10 free throws (70 percent), 30 rebounds, 13 turnovers.R-T-R: 16 of 48 field goals (33 percent), five of 18 free throws (28 percent), 29 rebounds, 20 turnovers.

I believe animals can develop personalities, especially when people take the time to notice.My husband and I acquired our furry friends while in college so we had plenty of time to devote to our new housemates.Consequently, they developed big personalities and pretty much run our lives. They determine when we get up in the morning and when we go to the store. We can live for days on noodles and bread, but we get to the store as soon as the cat food is gone.Our cats are city kitties, raised mostly in apartments with little to no contact with other animals.This upbringing has made their adjustment to rural life in Hills a bit tricky. They are scared of tractors on the road, trucks on the highway and Asian lady beetles, and they hate having stray cats in their yard. They have never seen a mouse, let alone have any idea how to catch one that is not made of plastic.Bottom line – they are spoiled and we adore them.This spring neighbors will see us chasing them around the yard, laughing as they climb a tree and calling for them if they have not returned home before the sun goes down. So I figure I should introduce my kitties before spring comes. That way if you spot one of them in your yard, you will understand how loved and pampered it is before you spray it with a hose.Magic is a wise calico princess with plenty of attitudeShe was acquired when a friend found a litter of kitties in their apartment’s parking lot.She was the runt and remains very petite. Nobody wanted her because she would sit in the corner and make terrible noises, but I could see something in her, something special.Eventually she allowed David and me to pet her and occasionally she shows us some affection. She rarely allows other people to touch her but will give an abundance of hugs to any near-by leg.She is the hunter of the bunch, fast and fearless, although the tractors do cause her to take cover in a nearby bush.Merlin – my tubby white boyAs we were shopping in a giant retail pet store about a year after Magic decided she would tolerate us as owners, we wandered into the cat adoption area.A little white cotton ball of a cat with bright blue eyes caught my attention. He was so precious and cried when I made eye contact.After I pulled him from his cage, he purred and nuzzled in my hair. I wrote a check for the adoption fee and took him home.He grew quickly in all directions. He is scared of everything, whether it is a piece of a newspaper or a person. He will attack anything that is out of place.Taking care of two cats meant twice as much food, litter, treats and twice as much cat hair. We were done with cats. Two was the limit. Until …Figaro – my little angelWhen I spotted his fuzzy white nose sticking out of the cage at the adoption center, I instantly knew I would not be leaving without him.I had long ago sworn off even walking by the adoption area of the pet store, as we already had our hands full with two cats. On this day I just walked by and couldn’t resist this little face with super long whiskers and he was crying. Literally he was crying. This cat needed us. The cats at home were not very excited about having a new brother, in fact I think after six years they still fight the idea. But he wedged his way into our world. Soon he made himself a permanent fixture in our bed, once Merlin’s spot.He is by far the most vocal and was long ago voted kitty ambassador for the Moore family. He makes up where Merlin and Magic lack in social skills.So, until the Moore family acquires a goat, these three cats will get as much attention as we have time to give.Our cats entertain us and help keep us healthy. "Current research has demonstrated that pets in general can provide many physical and psychological benefits. Cats decrease blood pressure and can even lower cholesterol. They can also reduce the mortality rate related to heart disease. Cat ownership can lead to fewer office visits to the doctor and a significant reduction in minor health problems."I admit that I am a cat lady. Whether or not I am crazy has yet to be determined. I like to think that I am just a friend of the animals

10 years ago (1995)"Hills-Beaver Creek’s One-Act Play cast and crew won top honors at the Sub-Section 2 competition last week. "This week, they will vie for the Section 3A crown. Members of the cast were Austin Cragoe, Andy Anderson, Beth Jansma, Jeff Ebert, Alicia Sandager and Laressa Sandstede, Director Kay Dahlquist, Wade Blomgren, Matt Ebert, Corey Nuffer, Samantha Vahey and Jamie Nuffer." 25 years ago (1980)"The results of the telephone survey in regard to holding our pre-school sessions at the Blue Mound Cooperative Center instead of at the Steen Reformed Church as we have done for the past two years are as follows:"Of the 36 possible parents canvassed, 24 did not mind or oppose driving to Luverne for classes. Seven opposed the Luverne location. Two parents said they would not attend the sessions. Two said they though they would wait to attend with their youngster next year. One of the parents moved out of the district and one is undecided whether they’ll attend or not."50 years ago (1955)"Work was started this week in the complete remodeling of the Christian Reformed Church basement. New floors, ceilings, rest rooms and other improvements are planned, along with a fine kitchen."75 years ago (1930)"Next Sunday is the national ski tournament at Canton, S.D. If you do not go, take your skis, sleds, toboggans or even barrel staves to Halls hill next Sunday afternoon and have a sliding tournament of your own. You will not be the only one there."100 years ago (1905)"Some of our people, especially the farmers, are kicking about taxes being high; but over across the line in Minnehaha county, South Dakota, the taxes on a quarter section run from $60 to $80."

Ione Luella DeHaan, 85, Hills, died Thursday, Jan. 27, 2005, at Tuff Memorial Home in Hills.Services were Monday, Jan. 31, at Apostolic Christian Church in Lester, Iowa. Burial was in the church cemetery. Ione Moser was born to John and Rose (Kellenberger) Moser on May 14, 1919, in rural Larchwood, Iowa. She attended Larchwood Country School #2.She married John DeHaan in Dakota City, Neb. During the first year of their marriage they lived in Battle Creek, Mich., and Louisville, Ky. After World War II they farmed west of Hills for six years before moving to an acreage near Hills where she lived for 44 years. She worked at the C&E Café in Hills for many years. Mr. DeHaan died June 5, 1994. She moved to an apartment in Hills and then to Tuff Memorial Home in Hills in January 2003. Mrs. DeHaan was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church of Lester. She loved sewing and was well known as a talented seamstress. She also enjoyed crocheting, quilting and fine needlework, leaving a legacy of memories for her family. Survivors include four children, Susan (Arlyn) Van Der Wolde, Shirlee DeHaan, all of Sioux Falls, S.D., Sharon (Ernie) Gerber, Danville, Ind., and Tim (Lois) DeHaan, Hills; 16 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Leo (Leona) Moser and Franklin (Verna) Moser; and six sisters, Mariann (Elmer) Metzger, Betty (Paul) Leuthold, Estelle Leuthold, Evelyn (Roy) Metzger, Donna (John) Gerber and Janet Wysong.Mrs. DeHaan was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, John DeHaan, four brothers, three brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law. Roste Funeral Home, Hills, was in charge of arrangements.

Rosemary Joyce Dahlquist, 79, Sioux Falls, S.D., died Friday, Jan. 28, 2005, at Tuff Memorial Home in Hills. Services were Tuesday, Feb. 1, at Augustana Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls. Burial was in Rosehill Cemetery, Parker, S.D.Rosemary Benson was born to Oscar Sr. and Nellie Mae (Bemelman) Benson, on Aug. 31, 1925, in Parker. As a child she moved to many small towns with her parents. She graduated from Rock Valley High School in Rock Valley, Iowa. As a child she began a love of the violin which she played throughout her life. She moved to Sioux Falls where she attended Sioux Falls College. She married Robert Dahlquist on Oct. 13, 1945, in Sioux Falls. The couple lived in Sioux Falls. She played the violin in the South Dakota Symphony for five years and worked as a clerk at Family Drug. She was a textbook librarian at Lincoln High School until she retired in 1982. Mrs. Dahlquist was an active member of Augustana Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, the Women of the Moose and the PTA as past president of Garfield and Edison. She enjoyed traveling, shopping, going to romantic movies and cooking, specializing in cakes, cookies and pies. Survivors include her husband, Robert Dahlquist; three sons, Terry (Kay) Dahlquist, Sioux City, Iowa, and (Kay) Dahlquist, Hills, and Mark (Lori) Dahlquist, Sioux Falls; one daughter, Diane (Earl) Williams, Lennox, S.D.; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two brothers, Dean (Ruth) Benson, Washington, and Oscar Jr. (Marcia) Benson, Sheldon, Iowa; and a host of other relatives and friends. Mrs. Dahlquist was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Lyle Benson. Memories may be shared with the family at www.millerfh.comMiller Funeral Home, Sioux Falls, was in charge of arrangements.

Harriet Skattum returned home last week Tuesday after spending four days in the home of Dewayne and Margo Edwards in Forestburg, S.D. While there she attended funeral services for Dewayne’s uncle, Maynard Edwards, who died at age 84. Darlene Anderson, Luverne, accompanied her son, Jack, to Rock Round, Texas, to visit Darlene’s daughter, Judy. They will also go to Corpus Christi, Texas, to visit relatives. Doris (Hengeveld), Jack’s wife, will fly down later. Melvin and Violet Hecht traveled to Madison, S.D., Saturday to visit in the home of her brother, Chester and Freda Erland. Last Monday evening, Brenda Hadler and Colby came from Edgerton to spend overnight with Joanne Goehle. Brenda had a workshop in Sioux Falls on Tuesday and Colby stayed with Grandma Joanne. They returned to their home late Tuesday afternoon. Deb Wright and Don and Edyth Briggs attended the Pipe and Drum concert and the annual Robert Burns dinner Saturday evening at the Culture Center in Sioux Falls.Chuck And Rheta DeBoer motored to Melvin, Iowa, Thursday evening to visit Seth and Susan Hofman and to help David celebrate his third birthday.

Did you ever wonder if we could be calling our weatherman by the wrong name? It seems to me he has had a problem making up his mind about the weather. That is when I began to wonder if maybe the forecaster is not a man, but a woman, as women have always been known for having a problem making up their minds and it seems to me that is what has been happening.It really doesn’t matter who is the decision maker as we usually have a variety of weather, so if you are dissatisfied with the forecast, the next one will be different. I don’t remember who said variety is the spice of life, but our weather has had lots of variety so none of us should be bored. Arvin and Cena Mae Tilstra visited Otto Van Wettering and Dick Moeller at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne Saturday evening. The Patriot Partners will host a pizza feed on Monday, Feb. 7, at Hills-Beaver Creek High School. The pizza will be served by Luverne Pizza Ranch. Two pizzas and a pop cost $3. That sounds like a good deal to me!Parent-Teacher Conferences will be Thursday, Feb. 17, for Hills-Beaver Creek high school and elementary students. There will be an early dismissal for students that day with the high school excused at 11 a.m. and the elementary school at 11:15 a.m. A Valentine Day dinner for the consistory members and their spouses will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 14, at Steen Reformed Church. Meetings will follow the supper. There will be no school in the H-BC schools on Friday, Feb. 18, and Monday, Feb. 21, in observance of President’s Day.I love all children beginning with the tiniest baby and including all of their growing up years. Teenagers are very special to me as they have such a curious attitude. They want to know about everything. When I came upon this column titled, "A Teenager Is …," I thought I should share it with you. It is a description of teenagers in their various experiences. Most of them are not very complimentary to the teenager and neither are they always true, but I thought you would get a laugh from reading about them. A TEENAGER IS …See if you agree with this list from www.ahajokes.com that gives definitions of teenagers.oA person who can’t remember to walk the dog but never forgets a phone number. oA weight watcher who goes on a diet by giving up candy bars.oA youngster who receives his/her allowance on Monday, spends it on Tuesday, and borrows from his/her best friend on Wednesday.oSomeone who can hear a song by Madonna played three blocks away but not his mother calling from the next room. oA whiz who can operate the latest computer without a lesson but can’t make a bed.oA student who will spend 12 minutes studying for her history exam and 12 hours for her driver’s license. oA youngster who is well informed about anything he doesn’t have to study. oAn enthusiast who has the energy to ride a bike for miles, but is usually too tired to dry the dishes. oA connoisseur of two kinds of fine music: Loud and Very Loud.oA young woman who loves the cat and tolerates her brother. oA person who is always late for dinner but always on time for a rock concert. oA romantic who never falls in love more than once a week. oA budding beauty who never smiles until her braces come off.oA boy who can sleep until noon on any Saturday when he suspects the lawn needs mowing. oAn original thinker who is positive that her mother was never a teenager. Just remember, teenagers are special and we love them all!